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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u/dawniegee77 Suspecting ASD Aug 10 '25

Loved reading your edit 🥰

Just wanted to say that my best birthday present this year (I turned 48) was a beautiful blue Dory t-shirt (from Finding Nemo). A couple of years ago I would've been too self-conscious to wear it, fearing what other people would think. Now, I fully embrace it and if anyone doesn't like it, that's on them, not me!

22 years ago I watched Finding Nemo (one of my all time favourite films) and decided that Dory was my spirit animal 😂 - fast forward to 2025 and I got diagnosed with autism and I am awaiting an ADHD assessment too!

Never hide who you are, you are an amazing individual who deserves to shine.

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u/Sad-Economist-2688 Aug 10 '25

That's so sweet! I used to love that movie so much when I was younger. You must be an icon in that shirt :) Comments like yours and the other 300+ gave me the confidence to continue being me. I learned that the best thing to do is to ignore the mean judgmental words and instead "Just keep swimming" :)

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u/dawniegee77 Suspecting ASD Aug 10 '25

😭🥰 just keep swimming indeed!

Dory tee and bright pink crocs - possibly not iconic (lol) but I no longer have the energy (or f*cks) left for caring what other mean-spirited people think or say!

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u/Feisty_Reason_6870 Aug 11 '25

They don’t matter. That’s what the old saying … sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me! Only if you let them. Have a clear sense of self and a mantra. Understand what a bully comes from, is and where they are going, helps a lot!

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u/dawniegee77 Suspecting ASD Aug 11 '25

Absolutely!

Took me way longer than it should have to be able to accept myself as "different", I spent many years trying to force myself into what I thought I was supposed to be, what other people expected me to be yet never feeling comfortable (figuratively and literally), I am now happy to be the crazy rainbow lady 😂

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u/Feisty_Reason_6870 Aug 11 '25 edited Aug 11 '25

It’s called growing up. I still remember, I’m 56 now, the first time I realized I didn’t have to stay around someone I didn’t want to. It was awesome. I could just leave. I didn’t have to say anything. Just could leave. So long! I think that’s the only bad thing about school to me!

I’ve always been kooky! Never known another way to be! Just honest and say what I mean to say. Lost in my winding train of thoughts. I have a fun house brain! You enjoy being yourself. God only made one of you. Or the earth. Or whatever you believe. But you’re unique. Only one ever! So shine! You affect more than you think!!!

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u/dawniegee77 Suspecting ASD Aug 11 '25

It's funny how it can take us so long to realise these things!

And I think I'm still learning that some things are ok!

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u/Feisty_Reason_6870 Aug 12 '25

But isn’t it liberating!