I’m 27 and…

• I’m afraid of the dark
• I still sleep with the lights on
• I’m afraid to go anywhere alone at night
• I have a blankie that’s almost always with me when I’m home
• I mostly watch animated shows marketed at children

But, I’m still an adult

I may still have “childish” fears

I may still do things that adults are expected to have outgrown

But, none of that changes the fact that I’m an adult.

I’m autistic and ADHD. I’m developmentally disabled. Part of that involves “growing out” of things later than expected. It can also involves Not outgrowing things that others do.

To all my autistic, ADHD, or otherwise developmentally disabled adults:

It’s ok to still have “childish” fears

It’s ok to still sleep with a blankie or stuffed animal (or a bunch!)

It’s ok to sleep with the lights on or do other things to assuage your fears

It’s ok to watch kids shows or movies

You’re still an adult!

And you’re awesome and I care about you 💜