Anthropomorphism

Yes absolutely! Everyone needs to find connections regardless of what form that is in.

Cool, glad you can relate!

I think it’s definitely true that it can be a replacement for the meaningful human connections we lack, probably stemming all the way back to childhood.

Those all seem like reasonable explanations 

Hyper empathy. Also, it may be because we are less likely to adhere to social hierarchies and may see everything as equal even if it is an inanimate object.

Another reason could be the fact that we can feel intensely connected to the world. Particularly, if the objects are incredibly meaningful to us or part of our dedicated interests we may really care for them and want to keep them safe.

One more thought, if some of us don’t feel like we can make meaningful connections with other humans because of different neurotypes, we may develop a deep connection with objects as they are very reliable, predictable and don’t pose any threats or demands on us. This may result in us caring for them like we would another human.

Just some thoughts… What do you think?

It does seem to be an autistic thing. I wonder why.

Amerantin (former member) said:

I do have a habit of talking to inanimate objects and treating them like they are sentient beings

It's never really occurred to me that they're not.

I mean, I recognize that most people would disagree, but it's like everything has an opinion, has feelings. Is alive, in some sense.

There's an interconnectedness in that way, and I think I'd rather live in that world than in one where there were just people. 

And everything else was just... stuff.

I know right! I used to keep absolutly everything, every peice of paper, rock, pen, toy, clothing, just any random thing I created an emotional attachment to. My mom got me 3 huge bins that were all overflowed with stuff that I just wouldnt throw away. But then after something that happened at the end of 8th grade, I kind of got more of ocd tendencies (not sure if its actual ocd though) and I got rid of nearly all my stuff. I hated doing it but now if something no longer fits then I need to get rid of it - at least out of my room, if I really want to keep it then I just put it in my moms closet and then its her problem lol. But everything has its spot and when I get new stuff its kind of anxiety indusing because that means I have to rearrange my whole room or get rid of something. Even my dresser has everything sorted. I have 2 shirts of each type and I have 8 types. If I get a new shirt then that means I have to get anouther of the same type then replace a type I already have. My dad got me a new shirt a few months ago but then I gave it to my sister because it just wouldnt work with my system.

I can feel horrendously guilty about having to get rid of things or if they become damaged.

That's lovely

I’m glad it’s not just me! I even apologise to things if I drop or bump them!

It definitely flies in the face of the idea that autistic people aren’t empathic. I think if anything we have an over abundance of empathy.

I still kind of think that. I know they dont actually talk but I feel like they probably communicate telepathically 

About toys though, I try to keep them in the best condition (I think I care for my stuff more than I do myself..) and I try to make sure that each one is loved the same amount so they dont feel bad about themself or lonely. They each have assigned seats on my shelf and they are placed to have the most space and comfort I can give. I used to have a chart next to my bed so I made sure to sleep with each toy an equal amount. Then whenever I have to sell a toy then I have to take about 20 min alone with it and I tell all the things I loved about them and remind them of the joy they brought me, I tell them how im sorry that I am abandoning them and that they dont deserve it but its probbaly better this way and that they will meet a new kid who will love them just as much (hopefully but I try not to be negetive) and then I just hold them up to my heart close my eyes and let all the love I possibly can to send it to my toy for its travels and new life. 

I did genuinely used to think that toys would talk when I'm not there. Yeah, like Toy Story.

That phase didn't last, thankfully...

I've just copied this from the other thread:

I had a good example of the above happen today.

I had a large cardboard box, a small cardboard box and a piece of rolled up brown paper to put into the recyling.

The 1st thing I did was to put the paper inside the small box and then put the small box inside the large box.

However ... then I felt that the paper was suffocating, so I had to remove it and put it next to the small box.

So, the paper and small box are inside the large box, with the top open, so they can both breathe.

Also, I feel what they feel.

Sometimes if my siblings drop like a book then I just say "ow" Its like I said it for the book, it happens automatically

This is the thread where I mentioned it before.

Another very interesting thread I think:

https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/32906/quirks

Yes, I do this mega big time (and always have).

I've mentioned it once before in another thread.

So, I go around the house talking to things - anything really.

Also, I feel what they feel.

So, for example, if I throw something it makes me dizzy and if I throw it downstairs, I feel as though I am flying myself.

It's very odd and I have never known anyone else like it.

There is also a more understandable aspect, where for example, dolls and bears have faces - so I can't bear anything over their faces as they won't be able to breathe.

Lol I do this

I also name inanimate objects alot and they have personalities and stuff. I dont make it up for them but they just have this kind of energy coming off them and then I just know.