FROM WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION OF CUTENESS

"Overview
Cuteness is usually characterized by (though not limited to) some combination of infant-like physical traits, especially small body size with a disproportionately large head, large eyes, a pleasantly fair, though not necessarily small nose, dimples, and round and softer body features. Infantile personality traits, such as playfulness, fragility, helplessness, curiosity, innocence, affectionate behavior and a need to be nurtured are also generally considered cute.

Konrad Lorenz argued in 1949 that infantile features triggered nurturing responses in adults and that this was an evolutionary adaptation which helped ensure that adults cared for their children, ultimately securing the survival of the species. As evidence, Lorenz noted that humans react more positively to animals that resemble infants—with big eyes, big heads, shortened noses, etc.—than to animals that do not.

That is, humans prefer animals which exhibit pedomorphosis. Pedomorphosis is the retention of child-like characteristics—such as big heads or large eyes—into adulthood. Thus, pedomorphosis and cuteness may explain the popularity of Giant Pandas and Koalas. The widely perceived cuteness of domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, may be due to the fact that humans selectively breed their pets for infant-like characteristics, including non-aggressive behavior and child-like appearance.

Some later scientific studies have provided further evidence for Lorenz's theory. For example, it has been shown that human adults react positively to infants who are stereotypically cute. Studies have also shown that responses to cuteness—and to facial attractiveness generally—seem to be similar across and within cultures.[1]

Additionally, the phenomenon is not restricted to humans. The young of many mammal and bird species share a similar set of typical physical proportions, beyond absolute body size, that distinguish them from adults of their own species. "Cute" features were also described in the recent finding of a baby Triceratops skull, suggesting that cuteness is an ancient and useful survival technique.[2]"
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  I seem to be missing the ability to find human babies cute.  What's weird is that I find baby animals, even reptiles and bugs, to be extremely cute, and I always want to touch or hold them and even talk babytalk, totally opposite of my usual personality with any human.  So far I've asked one other aspie who is the same as me, animals yes, people, no.  Just wondering if anyone has this too, since it appears to be instinct related.

Animals are cute, babies no. I don't gush over animals but I'd take one over a baby any day. When I was eight years old my aunt had just brought her new born son home. She asked me if I wanted a baby and without hesitation I said No, they are smelly and noisy. Her face dropped, I didn't know what was wrong. My opinion still stands.

I don't gush over babies, sometimes they are cute as long as they are quiet!

Nope, far from it, all they do is eat, squeal and shite all over the place.

Reminds me of something a dear friend of mine said (autie), when her daughter was born, and faced with the usual gushing sentimental nastiness, came out with 'it/she looks like a lizard'

Apparently, with the effect of a nurse making a quick exit and more or less passing out with horror.

Nope!

When I was pregnant a friend noticed that I was looking at babies, and thought I was admiring them.  She just smiled and rolled her eyes when I told her that I was looking at the design of their pushchairs - not the babies in them!

I definately prefer animals.

I prefer animals.

Babies ARE cute! >=(

But yeah, I'd prefer a tiny dog.

only if the child was mine

they can be. more for some of the things they do than the way they look etc.

Actually I was just wondering if people had the automatic "awww" response that is supposed to be instinctual to people when they see a baby human or animal.  I thought it odd that I have it for animals but not people.  Thought it might be due to a lack of instinct wiring.

I have the "awww" response for baby animals, but not for baby humans.

It's situational, but I think almost everyone can agree they do not like hearing babies cry. However, when I see videos on Planet's Funniest Animals on Animal Planet, where it's a video of a very young child or baby giggling at something silly the pet is doing. That's just the most adorable thing in the world to me.

dont know why awww...is an automatic responce,I am guessing it is just people being nice.

I still haven't seen my two second cousins how were born two or three years apart as babies, I would of wanted to hold them when they were babies but now I can't because they are growing up too fast.

Babies do that, don'tcha know?