“Imaginary Companions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” – Dr Paige Davis et al.

certain individuals presenting with ASD are very creative and imaginative, based on examining art and literature created by ASD and TD individuals

– Davis et al. (2796)

This exploratory study’s main aim was to discover what proportion of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) created Imaginary Companions, investigating potential differences in these companions in comparison with neurotypical children.

The scarcity of pretend play in children with ASD … reduces opportunities for them to engage in imaginative play as a social activity

– Davis et al. (2790)

This paper can be downloaded here.