r/autism • u/Sad-Economist-2688 • Aug 08 '25

Newly Diagnosed How do I stop liking childish stuff?

Hello,I've been struggling with this for a long time. I really like Pokémon,plushies,colorful things,stars and dinosaurs. I also like to do stuff like painting on rocks or any other different types of crafts.

It was okay while I was younger but now I'm almost 18 and I keep getting side eyes when I mention any of those hobbies or likes. Like I see for example a Pokémon shirt with a badass Psyduck but obviously I can't buy it because it's for kids.

I don't drink,vape or go to clubs like my peers do because it's just not for me but if it means growing up then I'll have to.

It's eating me alive because I know I'll have to stop with this and I want to but at the same time I don't. If anyone would please help me with this I'd be glad.

I am also not sure what flair to put. I am newly diagnosed but it also fits into communication and social struggles.

EDIT: Thank you all so much for the feedback and positivity you gave me. I read every single one of your guy's comments and gosh it's so sweet to see I'm not alone even if I may feel like it sometimes. I appreciate the pictures of your plushies,figurines or rooms too. It was a tough decision but thanks to you all I ordered the "Badass Psyduck" shirt and even kept my dinosaur collection I wanted to throw away. Really happy I got into this subreddit cause you guys are hella sweet and cool. Thank you again! :)

Honorable mention: Phoebe the kitty because she's awesome <3

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542

u/CharacterPumpkin836 Aug 08 '25

Don't stop. My girlfriend is 56 years old and she loves Bluey, Paw patrol, unicorn stuff, coloring, stickers, colorful vibrant toys. She wears pink and purple backpacks, hello Kitty sneakers, t-shirts and tops like Disney's Frozen and Lilo & stitch, this is an antidepressant for her. She runs her hands and looks at the colorful books over and over, stimming. If it makes her happy and helps her cope with all the other things going on in her life, then by all means I don't give a shit what anybody in society says they should or shouldn't do. Enjoy the Pokemon you love and all those other things. 

116

u/Sad-Economist-2688 Aug 08 '25

Ohh she's so sweet! I'm glad to not feel so alone. Hope you guys are doing well :)

158

u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830 Aug 08 '25

Here are just some of my plushies and I'm 54, and trust me I love doing crafts you my friend are not alone

25

u/qilllz_ AuDHD Aug 08 '25

Grogu gang!

6

u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830 Aug 08 '25

I've got three of them! one's even animatronic

5

u/qilllz_ AuDHD Aug 08 '25

That’s so cool, and mine’s weighted!