I don't think I blogged about this before but I might have reposted some youtube comments. Anyway, this is a subject that comes up frequently in youtube discussions of ABDLs. Someone will assume that a specific ABDL or even ABDLs in general developed our fetish because of childhood abuse. Many will also conclude from their assumption that this means that ABDL is a form of mental illness. There are several things wrong with this.
While there are many ABDLs that were abused as children there are also many ABDLs who were not abused and had relatively normal childhoods. There is no evidence that the population of ABDLs experienced abuse at a greater frequency than the general population. That which is claimed without evidence can be dismissed without evidence. Also, if being ABDL is caused by abuse then why are there ABDLs who did not experience abuse?
When you are talking about a specific ABDL who did experience abuse they will often attribute the abuse to their becoming an ABDL. Maybe it is true but the fact is that we don't really know. It is an assumption. There is know way to know how things would have turned out if they had not been abused. It is possible that they would be an ABDL even if they were not abused.
Some ABDLs have problems with mental illness but again there is no evidence that the frequency of mental illness is greater among ABDLs than the general population. When you are talking about a specific ABDL with mental illness this is a medical issue. They should consult with a medical professional. Medical professionals are human and capable of making mistakes so you have to find a doctor or a therapist who is good for you. It is important that people with issues get help from medical professionals with whom they meet in person rather than random unqualified idiots on youtube who diagnose people with mental illness based on nothing more than their own assumptions.
The fact is that when an ABDL with mental health issues gets help from medical professionals resolves their issues they nearly always retain their ABDL desires. The do gooders of youtube think that mental health means being normal, but normal is relative and subjective. I think it is important to look at mental health objectively. The first threshold for this is answering the question "Are you a threat to others or yourself." The second threshold is are you functional. That is to say are you functional in everyday life? This breaks down to: Are you able to maintain a job or income? Are you taking care of your physical health with a good diet and exercise? Do you have a secure, clean and well maintained home? Do you pay your bills on time? Are you social and able to relate to other people?
Youtube comment I wrote that inspired this blog post:
