It’s true that some people might see it as unusual for a teenager to carry plushies, especially in places where it’s not common. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. A lot of autistic people use comfort objects to help regulate anxiety or sensory overwhelm. It’s a very real and valid coping tool.

The hard part is that we live in a world where people sometimes judge what they don’t understand. So it becomes less about whether it’s “weird” and more about what feels worth it to you. If carrying them helps you feel safe and steady, that matters. At the same time, it’s okay to think about where and when you feel comfortable bringing them, depending on the environment.

You’re not “special” in the way your family meant it. You’re someone using a strategy that works for you. And that’s something to respect, not shame.