[kenting886]

My 16yr old child has an intellectual impariment. She has characteristic of ASD although I have not taken her to be tested/diagnosed. She has mild speech dyspraxia. She has an imaginary friend that she talks to. When she talks back (as the imaginary friend) her speech is perfect. Should I be worried?

[gimmeice]

Hello Kenting, it's nice to meet you.
Have you mentioned this to your daughters doctor? I would think that her doctor would need to know about this situation.

[Sad In TX]

I agree with gimmeice - I think this should be discussed with her doctor. That is interesting that her speech is perfect when she talks to her imaginary friend. Perhaps she doesn't feel any pressure when talking to her IF.

[Rapunzel]

She associates how she normally speaks with herself, and normal speech with the imaginary friend. The brain really is fascinating. I'd mention it to her doctor or anyone treating her, but not really worry unless there are other signs or symptoms of something wrong and/or she seems to be having a lot of distress. Has she always had the imaginary friend, or is that a new development?

This reminded me of a similar thing with people who stutter. When stutterers sing, they stop stuttering. Nobody really knows why, as far as I know, but I think it might be related to concentrating on something else (the music, the imaginary friend) instead of on one's own speech.

[bestillandknow]

Originally Posted by kenting886

My 16yr old child has an intellectual impariment. She has characteristic of ASD although I have not taken her to be tested/diagnosed. She has mild speech dyspraxia. She has an imaginary friend that she talks to. When she talks back (as the imaginary friend) her speech is perfect. Should I be worried?

It's an angel! What are angels? The essence is in the result. Unfortunately, your very unique and extraordinary blessing, your daughter-is not going to be tucked away from all those who misunderstand her, would seek to exploint her-or fail to provide her
w/ a meaningful means of support-and be safely tucked into the nearest
abbey. She was born into a society, a culture of other beings.
Potential is what I would be burdened with in your position( I am a parent). What does my child need? What do they wish for happiness in their heart? What tools must I implement to discover these things?
We are on a new horizon as a culture-do we impose transient conformance on individuals, based on the majority's determination of a fufilled life? The experts can provide you with information and some tools
you may find useful. I would never try to 'go it alone' in these extraordinary circumstances. Afterall, it's God ordained that we find wisdom in counsel.
Best wishes