Age regression and Autism

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So recently i have begun to age regress.
[quote] Age regression: when somebody reverts to a child-like state of mind, often as a coping mechanism for things like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Some age regressors like to use child-like objects such as pacifiers and bottles and in some cases adult diapers as well as dressing in “childish” clothing and engaging in activities such as colouring and playing with children’s toys. Basically age regressors are more at-peace and worry-free whilst in "little space" (A term for when one is in said mindset).[\quote] Ive noticed a significant amount of people on the spectrum age regress. I know before I started age regressing I kind of had a more childish side and a more mature adult side. I know that other autistic people experience similiar. I feel its the natural evolution of it. I know this topic hasnt been broached much. Im interested to hear what you think of the subject. Also please respond to the poll.

Sometimes I re-activate old interests in hopes of discovering what I'd missed the first time, or just for the comfort of familiarity if all the new stuff is confusing. Do I? Yes and No.

I do the soothing pillow thing when I've been hurt or re-experiencing trauma mentally. Then I might create my own soothers, imaginary people.

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I don't know about "age regression" I seem to be having autism-type regression once in a few years, where I lose many of my learned adaptations, like emotional management, emotional expression, voice modulation, and in 2019 I had gone almost mute, lost short-term memory, and facial recollection. Yes, it is commonly known that autistic toddlers can regress, but it seems to be not common in adults.

I don't regress. My behaviour, thinking, and feelings are firmly rooted in my age, if we ignore the fact that my mental age might not represent my actual age, and this doesn't change in stressful times or when remembering not-so-wonderful events of the past.

I do take pleasure in many things from childhood and adolescence: the music, the books, the films ... in many way, the things themselves give a sense of meaning and continuity. I don't feel connected at all to the mindset I had then, though.

I don't think I age regress. I just don't think I developed past a certain age socially and emotionally. A lot of people who know me in real life would probably say I am more comparable to a 12-13 year old than an almost 20 year old.

I'm perpetually 13, in my social and emotional development. That's my baseline. Sometimes I regress back to the behaviours I had when I was about eight years old (watching cartoons, using a singsong voice, getting exuberant and excited about my old toys, etc).

I don't go back to anything related to babyhood except for stims (fingers in my mouth, rocking, etc).

I have my plush Om Noms and other green plushies on my bed and I sleep with them all on my bed.

I started (consciously) age-regressing last year, but I think I've been doing it on a smaller level for much longer. and I'm still not sure if I'm autistic but I'm beginning to see how my age regression brings out a lot more, er, autistic traits? I guess? like I stim a lot more when I'm regressed. I go into the headspace of a toddler, sometimes an infant, and I babble to myself. I've even caught myself making repeating "bla bla bla bla bla" sounds when deeply regressed. I don't usually get the stereotypical "flappy hands" when I'm excited, but when regressed I do it a lot. I also stim by sucking on a pacifier when regressed (or even when I'm not regressed sometimes; I've always had a bit of an oral fixation).

also, still not sure if I should claim things as "special interests" without being confirmed autistic, but I seem to, er, hyperfixate on things differently when I'm regressed. or on different things. I like Winnie the pooh no matter my age, but when I'm in the headspace of a toddler I am obsessed with Winnie the Pooh. I love honey and honey-flavored things when regressed because it makes me feel closer to Winnie the Pooh.

I noticed my age regression a lot more when I went to visit my chaotic family home early last year. I was at my brother's birthday party and was very overstimulated and had to retreat to my old room, put on headphones and listen to the same soothing song on repeat, and color in a coloring book I'd been wise enough to bring. huh come to think of it most of the times I was at large family functions, or even smaller ones like my own birthday party, I ended up hiding in my room, and if I couldn't hide then I would get very very quiet and feel very small inside. idk how much of that might be autism vs age regression or how it's linked. interesting though.

also, to emphasize what's been brought up in this topic: age regression is not a fetish. not even remotely. that would be age play. age regressed individuals are in the mental/emotional space of a child and thus cannot even consent to those sorts of things. age regression as I've come to understand it is a coping mechanism. if someone is inclined to use diapers or pacifiers when regressed it's for comfort, not for pleasure. age play is another subject and probably not an appropriate subject for this forum given my understanding of the forum rules.