My 17 year old is in many ways a 6 year old, that is what his IQ shows at, that is where his emotional regulation is at, and many of his other skills. His interests vary a bit more, from that of the average 4 year old to the average 12 year old.
I'm struggling though, because he sees himself as a kid, and gravitates to kids in the age range of those interests... but he's becoming an adult.
I'm talking to him a lot about how he's becoming an adult and he can't just try to make friends with random children anymore, but saying it doesn't make it happen.
I know this sub is mostly full of people with young children, but wondering if anyone else has older kiddos and is dealing with similar. Or if any of the parents here with autism themselves went through this themselves.
I should also note that he's barely started puberty so he only looks about 12-13 years old, so it doesn't seem as strange to other parents so it hasn't been an issue out and about yet, but it may be soon.