It’s not really lying. Autism spectrum disorder relates to lower recognition of other-oriented lies through a decrease in perceived intentionality of the liar

•We examined if individuals with ASD have difficulties in understanding what lying is.•Participants evaluated deceitfulness of other-oriented and self-oriented lying.•Individuals with autistic traits see lies as lies to a lesser extent.•Autistic traits were related to lower attribution of intentionality of the liar.•Perceived intentionality mediates between ASD and recognition of other-oriented lies.