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Abigail Breslin gets it - she's growing up.

The 17-year-old actress, nominated for an Oscar at just 9 years old in the breakout hit "Little Miss Sunshine," understands that it's a bit weird for people to see her in a different light than her iconic character, but that her transformation has already been dramatized for years.

"My favorite thing in the world that me and my friends talk about is that I've been all grown up for about three years now," she told ABC News. "Every single time I'm photographed anywhere, the headline is 'All Grown Up.' It's been about three years, I'm like, 'Okay, yeah, I'm all grown up.'"

Breslin spoke to ABC News while promoting her new movie "Haunter," a horror film, where one of the themes is a typical teen adjusting to life, wanting more freedom - something she can relate to in some ways.

Read: Abigail Breslin Takes on Very Adult Role

In addition to "Haunter," Breslin has a lot on her plate, including "Ender's Game," writing her own music album and possibly going to college.

The themes of her music are what you would expect from a typical teenage girl.

"Boys and life. I mean, I'm 17," she said. "So, basically that's the thing that runs through my head every day, so yeah, lots about boys."

Breslin's year so far has included four movies, so if she continues her education, she wants to be in New York, near friends and family, where she can continue to work.

See: Stars Then and Now

"I want to stay here, so my top choice is The New School," she added. "When I'm at home in New York, I just hang with friends and family and do normal teenage stuff. They keep me pretty grounded. I love just hanging out with [them] and venting our emotions."

And lucky for her, she can still do normal things with friends and family.

"It's not like I'm Justin Bieber or something, with like mobs and people chasing me," she joked.

All in all, the transition from child star to teen actress hasn't been to tough, she said.

"I wish I had some great story about the struggle of moving into the more adult roles, but I actually didn't. I didn't have a big struggle with it at all," she said. "It's been pretty natural, the transition into the teen and adult realm. Hopefully it stays that way."

"Haunter" hits select theaters Oct. 18.