Can Dogs Have Autism?

[Wireless]

I'm sorry if this seems a really daft question!
If you type the above question into Google it'll come up with a whole load of websites, so a lot of people must think this is possible.
But, I really don't know what to think.
Opinions?

 

[unsurewhattoname]

I don't see any reason why not. I'm not sure how it'd be diagnosed though, like what the criteria would be.

 

[Tom]

Well, I have 4 Chihuahuas and something is not quite right upstairs if you know what I mean.

But actual autism IDK. I do know they have a lot of mental similarities to humans, enough to make them our closest companions and they are given some of the same medications (ie. for anxiety).

If I had to make a guess however, I would not be surprised if they can have a form of it. One reason would be that at least some autism in humans is caused by environmental factors and dogs are exposed to the same. I don't see why it could not affect their brain development as it does ours.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

My thoughts of this is that autism is a genetic mutation of the brain after thousands of years of performing systematising tasks. Dogs hasn't really evolved to a state where they use tools so I don't think so.

 

[Ylva]

Dogs probably have different neurotypes, but I doubt any of them matches the criteria for autism.

 

[Tom]

Here's a list of basic Autism Symptoms. I removed a few that pertained to people only (ie. refering to themselves as 'he' or 'she' as opposed to I or me, etc).

I observe dogs closely and have for a long time. I have seen nearly all of these symptoms or versions of them in dogs, often with one dog possessing many on the list. These dogs are usually referred to as not well adjusted or not properly socialized. I do wonder if in fact it is not always the owners/trainers fault or the situation alone (ie was a stray/wild dog). Not all negative dog traits can be fixed. Many dogs are put down annually for this reason.
I can't say it is autism, but I do believe if not, they can be in a very similar condition. It would be interesting to try applying socializing training techniques/training used with autistics with such dogs.

• Repetitive behaviors
• Obsessive interest in certain things
• Avoidance of eye contact with people
• Repetitive rocking, twirling, etc.
• Unresponsive to people
• Tendency to focus on one item for a long period of time
• Low sensitivity to pain
• High sensitivity to sound, touch, etc.
• Resistance to being touched (especially to being hugged)
• Slow to start speaking
• Not responding to their name
• Lack of happy expressions
• Staring for a long time at items which aren’t moving
• Difficulty making friends
• Unusual and/or repetitive use of language
• Difficulties with social interactions
• Difficulties with communication (verbal and nonverbal)
• Desire to adhere to certain routines
• Difficulties determining what others think or feel
• Difficulties interpreting social cues (e.g., tone of voice, facial expressions)
• Lack of empathy
• Self-abusive actions (e.g., biting, head-banging)
• Difficulties playing with other children
• Speaking in a singing voice
• Often speaks about the same topics over and over again

 

[Tom]

Dogs probably have different neurotypes, but I doubt any of them matches the criteria for autism.

Lacking any evidence to the contrary I would have to agree with this.

But I do have to ask these questions then:

Where does neurotype end and autism begin?

Some people (not autisic) seem to have behaviors and mannerisms very close to Aspies and can relate to aspies easily. They seem to have gotten to the same destination, just by a different path. In the end is there any difference? If you were a born musical prodigy and I became an exceptional musician over a long period of intense training, we are still both virtuosos*.

If HFA autism can end you up at the same place as an NT then the disability distinction blurs.

*Hypothetical example only, I haven't a music making gene in my body. Unless howling counts.

 

[Beverly]

Exactly Tom Am I disabled because I am on the spectrum, or am I not disabled because I am a self made millionaire thanks to my ASD obsession and, the ability to focus on that obsession as well as my desire to learn everything about anything that affects my life allowing me to learn how to do all I need to do to advance my career. I used ASD characteristics to get where I am, so, exactly where would the disability part apply to me. Still legally I am disabled, not that I would ever apply for any benefits or assistance, I don't need them but, I could get them if I applied for the ones that do not have an income requirement.

And yeah, howling definitely counts - my wolfdogs sing beautifully and, all they can do is howl.

 

[granolaturtle]

Well, dogs can have PTSD. It's very different from Autism, but still. That's all I know about the subject, really.

 

[Beverly]

I've never met a dog with ASD, not that all of them don't do some things that might be considers ASD. They chase their tails, sniff all food before eating, even if it's the same food they have always eaten, stare at seemingly nothing for long periods of time, do not understand multiple verbal commands give all at once, have major problems communicating with humans and, sometimes with each other as well.

Still much of what a dog does is a remnant of wild canine behavior, just not fully developed because they are domesticated so, if they have ASD, I think we gave it to them by domesticating them.

 

[Ylva]

Where does neurotype end and autism begin?

Nowhere. Autism is a neurotype.

In the end is there any difference?

All right, some people define autism as "a set of symptoms", even though a condition can never be its symptoms. Rather, different conditions can have the same symptoms, but that doesn't mean you should treat them the same way. I suppose you could treat the symptoms the same way, but it seems pointless to only deal with symptoms when there is clearly an underlying issue.

 

[Progster]

I think that dogs can have differing personalities, and certain characteristics are bred into certain breeds, for example, Akitas tend to be more socially aloof and independent that other breeds. Apparently, autistic traits can be genetically engineered into other animals such as mice and monkeys. But I don't know if these traits can occur naturally.

 

[Tom]

Nowhere. Autism is a neurotype.
All right, some people define autism as "a set of symptoms", even though a condition can never be its symptoms. Rather, different conditions can have the same symptoms, but that doesn't mean you should treat them the same way. I suppose you could treat the symptoms the same way, but it seems pointless to only deal with symptoms when there is clearly an underlying issue.

I see what you are saying. It is different in that an autisic hasn't the same choice in the matter as an NT does.

 

[OrSomething]

Well, all cats have Asperger's.