She just wants to be accepted. As long as the other child treats her respectfully it should not be discouraged.

My son Tre', who just graduated from high school on May 25th, never had any imaginary friends, but he was the same when it came to everyone he just met,were instantly his best friends. Enjoy the numerous friends, as long as you can, because I have found that my son lost a lot of what could have been some great friends, due to moving, changing schools, or them simply out growing him socially. It slowly became, and trust me I love the fact that he tells everyone that "my dad is my only true best friend. I am sorry, and as much as I love to hear that, that is also very sad. I have no idea, at all were to take him, what to do with him, so he can mingle, and even have a chance to let someone else besides us, get to see how truly great, smart, handsome, and loving he really can be. I do not have a clue when it comes to getting him out there. He has three older brothers, and an older sister, but is his 17 year old sister that, I think breaks his heart. His baby sis has a boyfriend, went to one coming, plays softball, and is so out going. Oh my God, she is like my 2nd wife. The only way he goes anywhere, either my wife or I take him. It is so hard on let her live this wonderfully social life, and then look at my bubba. Makes me wanna snivel, I swear it does. We can't hold her back though, that just would not be fair, and trust me, all of his siblings, have always been very protective of him, I think we are very lucky in that way. I digress though, huh? I just wanted to say real friends, make believe friends, best friends, cherish all of that you can because the K-12 years go by so fast, I swear it was yesterday my son was in front of me, crying, and whining in a diaper and pair of socks. He was upset because I was making him physically touch his sisters girlie, pink Barbie Convertible, in order to get his room clean. I still remember him saying, "No dad, No, it is Alyssa's car, she can get it". After about 30 minutes, I wore him down, and he picked it up with a stick, and took it back to her room like it was Hazardous materials. He was so mad at me for like 2 days, but then he got over it, anyways, good luck, communication. and patience are big key motivators, and strong tools.

There're are links I believe. ASD websites I'd once looked into. A very secure, parent monitored web site of suggested friends in the area who might want to go bowling or to see a soccer game friends are suggested based on general interest question and preferences. I suck at searching the web or I would post it.

Some of your experiences are exactly the type of thoughts I have, anticipating these situations for my son. I found your post very honest and heartfelt. Thank you for it.

Acceptance is something so many children feel they need and they are looking for validation as well. I think she could be using the term "best" loosely but I don't think there is any harm in it. As long as she can be herself and can enjoy her time socially with other kids it should be a good thing because so many struggle to even interact with other children to begin with