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Asperger's and Collecting Toys
I am a 27 year old adult with Asperger's syndrome and I love to collect plush toys. It is one thing that makes me really happy and gives me a lot of comfort. Problem is because of my age, my parents don't see it that way. I try to explain that doing so makes me happy but they still say that collecting plush toys is out of age for me and should look into collecting something more age appropriate. I am sure that I am not the only adult that does this and I do want to expand my collection. So, my question is this normal and what should I do?
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If it makes you happy you shouldn't let your parents decide what you can or can't do. It's your choice you aren't harming anyone or doing anything illegal so there's nothing wrong with it in my opinion.
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Your parents are concerned with what other people will think of their parenting and of you if people see you collect stuffed animals. That's really their problem to get over. Who cares what people outside of your family think. It doesn't matter.
What matters is what you think and wnat makes you happy regardless of your age. In fact it's probably greatly helping you with your Asperger's and can or is in your case a way of coping. There's nothing unhealthy, abnormal or harmful about what you are doing. It's a hobby and keeps you busy and happy. What's wrong with that? You aren't harming yoursel or anyone else so collect away.
They have a point that it's usually kids collecting stuffed animals or playing with them and others may judge but it's not about them. If people judge you or them over something like this it says a lot about who they are and nothing about you. Also, they may just get it that it helps with your condition and not have an issue.
I think you should do what makes you happy. Illustrate to your parents how it does that and the benefits for your Asperger's. Tell them that it doesn't mean there's something mentally wrong and that you aren't hurting yourself or anyone else doing it.
You really ought to challenge the fact they're concerned with other people's perception and not with what makes you happy. Make sure that they know that you think the only opinion that matters is yours and their's and that you can't control what others think and nor can they. As long as your collection doesn't get out of control wit far too many plus animals you're fine.
It's healthy provided you have an assortment of other interests on top and not just this. That's a valid argument they may raise but as long as you have a variety of things you're engaged in rather than a total focus on one area you're fine.
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Many people like collections with a theme. F or example, I like things having to do with Dragonflies.
However, I also know of people who like to collect plush toys. My daughters boyfriend age 30 loves to collect plush animals. She does too but not as much as him. I knew a retired couple at my last church and was surprised when invited to their home to find it literally overflowing with all sorts of stuffed Teddy Bears. Both the husband and wife absolutely loved it and couldn't stop. Finally, I have a Mother in law who loved stuffed animals, and particular ones that struck her as cute were the only ones she got and couldn't wait to show to all the family her latest acquisitions. I think one was a monkey dressed in the Monkey grinder suit with cymbals attached to hands, another was s plush animal can't remember which animal but it wore an aviators hat and goggles. She star ted this hobby of collecting at retirement age.
Now these are people I know personally and can tell you there is nothing wrong with them, they are well adjusted mentally and having plush toys gives them pleasure and happiness.
These examples are to show you that I believe it is normal from what I've come across. I am not into collecting plush toys but every once in a while I come across one I just must have and I won't put it off. If it is unique enough and brings to mind a good memory, I buy it on the spot as it might be gone later. And I am grandma age. I would not have a giant collection if I could simply as I am more into dragonflies and I guess, thus the name I chose for on this site.
Your parents may simply not be able to see themselves collecting plush toys and therefore assume because they don't like it that you should.
i have heard of adults that want to sleep in an adult sized crib, wear diapers and suck on a pacifier simply because that makes them happy. In a few cases, I suppose its nothing to worry about but I don't know for sure, and believe a counselor may find something in that need to relive being a baby means they are trying to make up for something they feel in missing in their life.
Yours is simply joy and comfort from having them. There is such a thing today as comfort animals and people who would get too nervous or anxious without one. I see these all the time, more than actual service animals for the blind or epileptics or something of a physical condition.
I am all for using what ever helps a person cope that is not bad for you like over drinking and becoming alcoholic, taking street drugs, or physically hurting yourself or others. You already know you have Aspergers and that might contribute in a way to the need. This is much better than seeing a psychiatrist who doles out meds that give awful side effects and in people with no really terrible mental illness, have the effect of not helping and making things worse. If you live at home with parents, restrict your plushies to your room so it doesn't irritate them. If you live on your own, don't worry and ignore what they say. You are an adult and can make your own decisions.
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