Imaginary friend

An imaginary friend is a friend that is created in the minds of some people, especially young children, and is sometimes seen in those with autism.

Explanation of behavior
People may do this for companionship, as part of play, or other reasons. Imaginary friends can serve as an important source of companionship to some children and adults, especially if companionship is absent for them in the social world. As an example, young children in boarding schools often develop imaginary friends to cope with extreme stress and separation from their intimate relations. It has also been suggested that deities, spirits, totems, demons, and similar supernatural beings are the invisible friends of adults and children alike.

The development of imaginary friends by a person does not signify a problem or disorder. However, it can occasionally become problematic if it begins to interfere with everyday social interactions. For parents, an understanding of a child's conversations with their imaginary friends can reveal a lot about the anxieties and fears of that child. It can also give an insight into the child's aspirations and conception of the world.