Study finds some autistic children tell lies to protect the feelings of others

A study from Queen's University reveals that children with autism tell white lies to protect other people's feelings. However, they were not good at hiding their deceptions.

Experts say that the results are surprising, considering that individuals with the condition have difficulty acknowledging the feelings and thoughts of other people. Individuals who suffer from autism have delayed speech and language skills as well as having trouble coping with minor changes.

The study tested children with autism by telling them they would get a nice gift, which turned out to be a bar of soap. When asked if they liked their gift, most said they did instead of saying they were disappointed. Experts identify this behavior as pro-social lying to maintain good relations with other people.

Therapeutic boarding schools can give those who suffer from autism the one-on-one attention they need to achieve academically, socially and behaviorally.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 13 percent of children have a developmental impairment, like intellectual disabilities or autism.