My daughter is 13 with HFA. In the past year, she has created a group of "friends" she talks to during the day (she changes her voice and talks to them, and they talk back, etc.). Often at dinner, she will tell us stories about her friends, making up elaborate scenarios. I have talked with her and her therapist, and she knows they are imaginary. Her therapist says as long as she knows the difference between real and fantasy, she doesn't see a problem with it. I know that my daughter doesn't have many real friends and that she probably made these friends up because she is lonely. Her SPED teacher, and I have talked about it, and they will start some social groups with her next year. In the meantime, when she tells us stories about her "friends, " do I engage and ask follow-up questions, or do I try to change the subject and dissuade her from participating in this behavior?