Why Cute Things Matter for Autistic Adults

Why Do Some of Us Never Outgrow Cute Things? If you’ve ever been judged for rocking a Hello Kitty backpack, collecting Squishmallows, or filling your room with action figures, you’re not alone. As an autistic adult, I’ve heard all the comments:

“Oh, is that your daughter’s backpack?”

“You still sleep with stuffed animals?”

“Aren’t you a little old for that?”

And my answer? Nope, it’s mine, and I love it.

There’s this ridiculous expectation that as we get older, we should just drop the things that bring us joy. But for autistic folks, cute stuff isn’t just some quirky hobby—it’s a sensory tool, a visual stim, and a source of deep comfort. And honestly? It’s fun.

So let’s talk about why we’re drawn to these things, why it’s totally okay to embrace them, and how wearing or collecting what you love can actually help you filter out people who don’t get you—so you can attract the ones who do.

Autistic Developmental Differences: It’s Not Just “Immaturity”

People love to slap the “immature” label on autistic individuals because we don’t always follow the typical trajectory of interests. But the truth is, we develop in an asynchronous way—meaning we can be incredibly advanced in some areas (like deep intellectual topics) while also finding comfort in things that are “meant for kids.”

For example, when I was younger, I wasn’t interested in playing with kids my age. Instead, I found myself hanging out with older persons at a nearby assisted living community. I’d ride my bike there, say hi, and next thing I knew, I was inside having cookies, drinking tea, and learning how to play rummy. They were kind, they didn’t judge me, and it was a safe place for a lonely autistic kid who felt out of place.

But on the flip side? I still love things that people associate with childhood. My room has plushies. I own way more cute stationery than any “professional” 43-year-old should. I will 100% choose a Squishmallow backpack over a designer purse any day. It’s not about immaturity—it’s about what feels good and what works for my brain.

Why Autistic People Go ALL IN on Their Interests

One thing that sets autistic folks apart from neurotypicals is the depth of our interests. We don’t just casually like something—we immerse ourselves in it. If we love a video game, we might fill our whole room with its merch. If we love a character, we don’t just buy one thing—we stim on the visuals by surrounding ourselves with them.

It’s not just about collecting—it’s about:

• Visual stimming: Seeing our favorite characters, colors, or themes over and over brings us joy.

• Sensory comfort: Stuffed animals, soft blankets, or squishy toys help regulate our nervous system.

• Consistency & routine: Change is hard for autistic people, so keeping things from childhood can feel grounding.

Some common things autistic people love that neurotypicals might call “childish” include:

• Plushies (Squishmallows, Jellycats, childhood teddy bears)

• Cute backpacks (Hello Kitty, Pokémon, Sanrio, Disney)

• Soft or weighted blankets

• Action figures, dolls, or collectibles

• Miniatures (Calico Critters, Re-Ment, Lego sets)

• Cute stationery (Kawaii pens, stickers, washi tape)

• Brightly colored or themed clothing

• Cartoons and animated movies

• Fun socks or pajamas with characters on them

This is not “childish.” This is neurodivergent joy.

The Science Behind Cute Things & Comfort Items

Our brains are literally wired to light up when we see cute things. Research shows that looking at something adorable—like a baby animal or a plushie—activates the reward system in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and oxytocin (Kawakami et al., 2012).

• Dopamine = that hit of happiness and motivation.

• Oxytocin = the “bonding” hormone that makes us feel safe and connected.

So when we surround ourselves with cute stuff, it’s not just a “quirk.” It’s a legit neurobiological way to self-regulate and feel good (Sherman & Haidt, 2011).

Clothes as Self-Expression (and a Filter for the Right People)

Another big thing? The way we dress.

If you’re autistic, your clothing choices are probably tied to:

• Sensory preferences (soft fabrics, loose fits, comfy textures)

• Self-expression (wearing characters, colors, or patterns we love)

• Routine & sameness (we might wear the same thing often because it feels right)

Personally? I shop in the kids’ section all the time because that’s where I find the cutest clothes. I want bright colors, fun patterns, and Hello Kitty on my hoodie. And yes, I’ve definitely gotten weird looks.

Studies show that wearing “childlike” clothing as an adult can attract more negative attention—people might comment, stare, or even treat you differently (Sasson et al., 2017). But here’s the thing:

• The people who judge you? Not your people.

• The people who get excited and say, “OMG I LOVE THAT” or start talking about their own favorite characters? Those are your people.

So in a way, embracing your style is a courage-building exercise. It helps you filter out the wrong people while drawing in those who vibe with your energy. The more you wear what you love, the more confident you’ll feel—and the more aligned your friendships and relationships will be.

At the end of the day, there is nothing wrong with loving cute things, surrounding yourself with childhood comforts, or dressing in a way that makes you happy. The idea that adults have to be serious, boring, and give up playfulness is a societal construct that doesn’t serve us.

And honestly? It doesn’t just apply to autistic people. Everyone—neurodivergent or not—deserves to keep joy in their lives.

If you’ve been struggling with feeling judged for your interests, trying to mask to fit in, or battling self-doubt about what you love—I can help. Let’s work on building confidence, breaking free from societal expectations, and fully embracing who you are.

Ready to own your authenticity? Let’s talk. Call me today.

References

Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. Hazelden Publishing.

Kawakami, N., Furukawa, E., & Sugiura, M. (2012). The power of kawaii: Viewing cute images promotes a careful behavior and narrows attentional focus. PLoS ONE, 7(9), e46362. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046362

Sasson, N. J., Faso, D. J., Nugent, J., Lovell, S., Kennedy, D. P., & Grossman, R. B. (2017). Neurotypical peers are less willing to interact with those with autism based on thin slice judgments. Scientific Reports, 7, 40700. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep40700

Sherman, G. D., & Haidt, J. (2011). Cuteness and disgust: The humanizing and dehumanizing effects of emotion. Emotion Review, 3(3), 245–251. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754073911402396

Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Arndt, J., & Routledge, C. (2006). Nostalgia: Content, triggers, functions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(5), 975-993. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.91.5.975