Many autistic and neurodivergent people have comfort objects.
A comfort object is usually something the person likes to bring with them wherever they go, or they like to keep it somewhere safe at home. This object brings them security and safety. We often think of security blankets or stuffed animals as comfort objects, but anything can be a comfort object.
Anyone can have a comfort object. Not just kids.
I have a comfort object I sleep with every night. Without it, I have a difficult time sleeping and often feel anxious.
I also have a comfort object that I take with me everywhere! I usually keep one of these in a backpack or in the car, but it comes with me wherever I go
If your child or someone you know has a comfort object, DO NOT:
- Take the comfort object away as punishment
- Tease the person for having a comfort object
- Joke about destroying or throwing away said comfort object
Those are ways to cause trauma. Comfort objects are not just objects a person really likes. This is an object they have connection to, and feel SAFE with.
Taking away a child’s (or adult’s) comfort object for a punishment is like taking away their safety.
Do not use the comfort object as a reward for good behavior either
We got Lump a little harness for when we go on adventures with him. We can clip him to our bag or our clothes and never have to worry about him falling and getting lost. He likes to ride on our shoulder a lot, so this will make sure he can do so safely. He is quite happy with it. Plus it makes a fun ride:
I made Beaker an outfit from a sock. I even used my tigers eye braclet as a necklace. I plan to make more clothes soon. I'll have to go looking around.
I bring my Bolt agenda with my Bolt pencil case, a notebook, my Nintendo 2DS with a case with the games in it and 2 of my favorite fidget toys ૮₍˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶₎ა and the most important thing, my Bolt plushie!! υ˶• ﻌ •˶υ
My Bolt backpack is one of my favorite backpacks! But I wish it was a little bit bigger so my digital notepad could fit in it. (๑ ˊ͈ ᐞ ˋ͈ )
Hey plushie lovers! Don’t be ashamed of carrying around you plushies, don’t be afraid to talk about your favourites and don’t be embarrassed about showing people your collections. The people who you actually want in your life, the people who really care about you, won’t judge you for loving something that comforts you, if anything they will appreciate that you find enjoyment in it. It’s perfectly okay to find love in something that society deems “childish”. Please keep doing whatever makes you happiest!!