Can autistic children lie?

Please forgive my ignorance. My friend has a child that has been recently diagnosed. For a long time the GPs and specialists weren't sure. We still don't know if he has Asperger's or some other type. He is a happy, friendly, 6yo boy who sometimes struggles with eye contact and has some speech difficulty. She insists autistic children cannot lie. Could you shed some light with your personal experience? Thanks in advance.

Parents
  • I don't think I lied much as a child. The "white lie" concept certainly took a while to understand. As a teenager I got a lot more secretive and would lie (badly!) about drinking and smoking etc. 

    Don't lie much nowadays, mainly as I don't often have cause to, but also because trying to make sure every aspect of a story is correct causes a lot of stress. I worry that I will put my foot in it and be found out. 

Reply
  • I don't think I lied much as a child. The "white lie" concept certainly took a while to understand. As a teenager I got a lot more secretive and would lie (badly!) about drinking and smoking etc. 

    Don't lie much nowadays, mainly as I don't often have cause to, but also because trying to make sure every aspect of a story is correct causes a lot of stress. I worry that I will put my foot in it and be found out. 

Children
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