Chapter Eleven: Confabulation - Is it True
Children with neurodiverse profiles often unintentionally blend real and imagined memories—confabulation—not to deceive, but as their brains fill memory gaps with emotion-driven details.

Key Takeaways for Parents/Caregivers

False Memories not Lies
Confabulation is when children unintentionally blend real and imagined events, creating false memories they genuinely believe are true, often based on emotions—not deliberate lying

Definition of Adaptive Skills
This phenomenon is especially common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and those with trauma histories due to differences in brain wiring and memory processing

Fill in Memory Gaps
Confabulation helps the brain create a coherent story when there are memory gaps, especially under emotional stress or social pressure

Two Types of Confabulation
There are two main types: provoked confabulation (in response to questioning) and spontaneous confabulation (unprompted, without external cues)

Symptoms
Symptoms often mistaken for lying include telling exaggerated stories, blending reality with imagination, and source-monitoring errors (confusing where a memory came from)

Memory Consolidation
Children experiencing confabulation often struggle with memory consolidation, sequencing, executive functioning, and emotional processing, making accurate recall challenging

Reality Monitoring
The prefrontal cortex (responsible for reality monitoring) and limbic system (emotional memory center) play significant roles in confabulation, especially when they function differently in neurodiverse children

Memory Override
Emotional intensity can override factual memory, causing children to recall events based on how they felt rather than what actually happened

Stress and Trauma Response
Confabulation can be triggered or exacerbated by stress, trauma, or overwhelming emotions, leading to fragmented or distorted memories

CONNECT Method
The CONNECT method offers practical steps: Create safe space, Observe without judgment, Name and validate emotions, Navigate stories together, Encourage truth-telling, Celebrate sharing, and Take small steps

Visual Memory Anchors
Visual memory anchors (like photo albums or memory walls) and chunking experiences into manageable segments can help children distinguish real memories from confabulated ones

Caregiver Response
Caregivers are encouraged to respond with empathy, avoid accusations, and focus on building trust and emotional safety rather than policing accuracy
Explore Further
Recommended Readings
Join the Conversation
We invite you to delve deeper into the transformative insights of Embracing Hope. Share your experiences with Chapter eleven and connect with a community of caregivers dedicated to making a difference. Your story could inspire others on their journey.