ADHD and lying: Why kids with ADHD might lie a lot
By Gail Belsky
Expert reviewed by Ellen Braaten, PhD
Quick tips for when kids with ADHD tell lies
- Quick tip 1Don’t take the lying personally.
Don’t take the lying personally.Try to remember that when kids with ADHD lie, they’re usually not trying to defy or disrespect you. They may be struggling with doing a sequence of tasks or with impulsivity.
Most kids lie or avoid telling the truth from time to time. But with kids who have ADHD, you might find yourself often asking, “Why are you lying again?”
Not all kids with ADHD tell frequent lies. In fact, some are impulsively honest, which can create its own problems. But for those who do lie, it can quickly become a habit.
Usually, these lies are about everyday things like chores and work. Kids with ADHD struggle with starting and planning out tasks. So, they might not do them, and then lie and say they did.
Or they might lie about a minor mistake, like dropping and breaking a dish. Even when it’s clear they did it, they insist they didn’t.
Why would they say something that’s so obviously false? To avoid having to face difficulties and ask for help. It’s a way of coping with the challenges caused by ADHD.
Lying takes away the pressure of having to figure out how to do tasks. And for many kids with ADHD, that’s worth getting in trouble for, especially if they’re used to it.
Dive deeper
What causes kids with ADHD to lie
When teens with ADHD frequently lie
Next steps
About the author
About the author
Gail Belsky is executive editor at Understood. She has written and edited for major media outlets, specializing in parenting, health, and career content.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Ellen Braaten, PhD is a child psychologist, professor, and founding director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital.
