Before anyone hates me, I'm not anti-imaginary friends. Let me explain my problem so that everyone can retract their claws.
The problem is not with *imaginary friends *per say.
Imagination is such an important thing to foster in a child.....heck....even in adults. I love my kids using their imagination and other Lizze and I, actively encourage our kids to grow theirs.
Gavin's "imagination" is a main problem, at least in our house. Again, it's not the fact that he uses his imagination that's the problem.
The problem lies in the fact that essentially, Gavin is schizophrenic. Put more accurately, he's dealing with schizoaffective disorder, which is basically a blend of bipolar and schizophrenia.
On a good day, Gavin struggles with maintaining both feet in reality. At any given time, he's got one foot in and one foot out. On the bad days, he's completely consumed by his *imaginary *world's. When it comes to Gavin, the word *imaginary *takes on new meaning.
To put things bluntly, Gavin's a really smart kid and extremely well *therapized. *
Basically, he knows what the right thing to say is. He knows that it's not good that he sees and hears things that aren't really there. Because of this, he refers to these things as imaginary, further blurring the lines.
To further complicate matters, he's confusing his brothers.
As an example, Gavin has been spending time in his room, playing cards with his imaginary friends. He calls this his *"me time with my imaginary friends.." *
We don't condemn this because this isn't his fault but at the same time, he acts as though his imaginary friends are real and Elliott and Emmett don't really know what to think.
You would have to actually see Gavin interacting with his imaginary friends, to fully grasp what I'm trying to explain. It's literally as though he physically has other people in his room with him, only we can't see them. He's has back and forth conversations with them and even responds to their questions.
You have to trust me when I say that this goes way, way beyond an active or vivid imagination.
Once again.
Imagination is a really good thing but not being able to draw a distinct line between what's real and what isn't, can lead to problems and confusion.
Right now Gavin is likely still manic and psychotic, although he's seems to be doing a little hit better. Time will tell, if the medication changes will help to get these things back in check.
*This site is managed almost exclusively via WordPress for Android. *Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-)
Visit the *My Autism Help Forums*
**To reach me via email, please *Contact Me***
