Many typical children create imaginary friends, but what about kids on the autism spectrum? Do teens with Asperger’s have imaginary friends, or psychosis?
Invisible companions and playmates are common among preschool children. In fact, according to a study published by Marjorie Taylor and colleagues in Developmental Psychology, 65% of the young children they looked at had created friends at some point in their lives. While most children invent these characters to deal with a major life change, acquire a new skill, work through a problem, or overcome a fear, the need for them tends to disappear once the child enters school and enlarges his or her circle of real friends.

While typical kids use make-believe to cope with the stresses and anxieties of life, most children with special needs don’t have that option. However, the autism spectrum comes in different combinations of symptoms and some children and teens, especially those with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism, do possess the capability to invent relatives, peers, and animals – someone they can relate too.

Since social interaction often remains limited throughout life, many in their late teens still use imaginary friends. But is this something to worry about? Are persistent, invisible companions and animals a creative way for a teen to deal with their problems? Or is it a sign that he or she has crossed over the line into delusion?

Read more at Suite101: Imaginary Friends: Can Autistic Kids and Teens Create Them? | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/imaginary-friends-can-autistic-kids-and-teens-create-them-a379107#ixzz1SbNsmodK