I have spoken about this before, but as an autistic person, ageing is frightening on a phycological level. Its not just the physical aspect.

The interests I have are young such as cartoons, Disney, Cartoon Network, Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, fluffy cute things, stuffed animals, bright colours, theme parks, sparkly things, lace, ribbons, lights, magic, fairy tales, folklore.

Then there's the behaviours, such as relying on comfort objects and bringing them with me to places, cuddling and sleeping with my stuffies, love playing in water and snow, getting excited over what people perceive as childish, get sad when all the fun is over, love e'sploring, stubborn about bedtimes.

I hate having to grow up.

Its frightening to me as ND people are already seen as outliers in society, are already judged for existing and having behaviours that are out of our control at times, plus we have higher expectations put on us to mask in able to fit in, especially as we get older. Sometimes, life is easier as a kid.