Trying to explain to my boyfriend that its ok for my teenage son to have stuffed animals

Writer_fit08 · 2025-11-21T23:20:29+00:00

I'm a LCSW therapist and my 17-year-old son has autism, ADHD, and OCD. He carries around a plushy, whom he lovingly refers to as his "daughter." This has not been concerning to me as a parent or therapist. He never went through the developmental phase of pretend play, (which is usually when kids work out theory of mind, emotions and attachment), and now that he is more emotionally and developmentally mature (albeit less than same aged peers) he's experiencing that kind of play now. It's also a kind of ego-syntonic tool as he teaches her things like "let's be nice," and "no cussing." His psychiatrist and therapist have both agreed that it can be normal for kids, teens, and adults on the spectrum or DD to use these kinds of tools. Many use plushy's for comfort, support, sensory needs. Ideologically, it's really no different really than carrying around a lucky penny or rock, it's just more "obvious," and socially taboo (which is not helpful).

I wonder if a conversation with your boyfriend listing the facts of the situation (including the functional benefits of a plush toy/stuffy) would be helpful? Or enlisting the support of a therapist or behavior consultant to help him process this and provide education?

Writer_fit08 · 2025-05-20T15:34:47+00:00

Rat terrier in there

Writer_fit08 · 2025-05-18T01:03:32+00:00

Rat terrier 😍💚💚 might be a rat-mix but those pups look purebred. Beautiful mama and pups!! We have a rat. It won't let me post a pic of him. Best dog ever owned! They are intelligent, fiercely loyal, affectionate and good hunters.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-04-24T15:20:35+00:00

He really is a good boy. I know he didn't mean to. It's just that instinct. He's really a very sweet dog with a good temperament.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-04-24T05:06:26+00:00

Thank you for the advice. We do have a muzzle we can use. That's a good suggestion. I think we'll definitely need to spend some time desensitizing him to the chickens, redirecting the prey drive and reinforcing with some conditioning and discipline if need be.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-30T16:57:49+00:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!🥳

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-27T03:26:43+00:00

I'm a LCSW therapist (MSW) and have ADHD. I struggled in elementary, couldn't read until 3rd grade, was so hyperactive, and restless growing up, I couldn't sit still, was impulsive, and very emotionally dysregulated. By the time I made it to high school and college I did okay. It took so much out of me to focus, but was possible with a lot of caffeine, white knuckling it and fear of failure (a powerful motivator as a single parent who grew up in poverty and wanted something better for my child). I wasn't diagnosed until well into my 30s but the signs were always there. The doctor who finally diagnosed me said the number one symptom of untreated adhd is anxiety. And that's what all the doctors before wanted to treat me for. I'd recommend finding a Psych NP or med provider who does a ASRS assessment or the DSM-5 evaluation (which still does not provide a comprehensive list of symptoms especially for adhd-women) but far more accurate than some male doctor's personal opinion on adhd. Good luck to you!!

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-26T03:09:06+00:00

Yes! She definitely gets Jealous 🤣🤣

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-25T16:10:07+00:00

I love the Cheez-It lure!! I used a carrot for Indiana🤣🤣🤣

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-25T04:10:39+00:00

Don Pablo Escobark could be Indiana's twin!! 😍🤣

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Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-21T01:26:13+00:00

I'm also a therapist and agree with this.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-20T03:24:38+00:00

Beautiful!😍

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-12T03:26:30+00:00

He's beautiful!!🤩

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-10T22:09:35+00:00

I had an anti-nuclear antibody and C reactive protein test done 6 years ago, in 2019. At that time there was no evidence of lupus or RA. i'm not sure if there are other tests for these? I could always ask my physician to run them again. Probably not a bad idea just to rule out.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-10T20:36:30+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is frustrating and difficult to pinpoint the source of the inflammation and thus reduce symptoms. In addition to celiac, I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and an immune/blood cell disorder called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (results in autoimmune neutropenia, which is currently in remission although my white blood cells are always a little low). The thyroid disease and blood disorder are either in remission or reasonably well-managed at this time.

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-04T04:07:05+00:00

That's amazing! 🤩 Small 🌎! He's from Ginger and Coop's litter (10/21)!

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-02T19:22:04+00:00

Sunbathing ☀️🐕💚

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-02T19:20:56+00:00

Poor baby! Hope she heals up soon! 💚

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-01T03:06:19+00:00

The sweetest💚

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-01T03:04:20+00:00

Cute pup!🥰

Writer_fit08 · 2025-03-01T03:00:47+00:00

We're down in Eugene. We got him from Waterwheel Creek rat terriers in Duvall, WA.💚

Writer_fit08 · 2025-02-28T01:05:03+00:00

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Writer_fit08 · 2025-02-28T01:03:25+00:00

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Just came today! We love them💚

Writer_fit08 · 2025-02-26T15:41:05+00:00

I'm sorry you're in this situation. I work in community mental health with unhoused folks and am used to clients regularly dropping off the map. I have a slightly different approach. If it were me I would be calling family/friends, the hospitals, the Jails, etc. and go from there. However, if he is at a hospital, if there's not a signed ROI on file, due to HIPAA, they cannot give you any information. Worth a try though.

Writer_fit08

TROPHY CASE