Comments on: Can Animals Have Autism?

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:44:10 +0000

I agree. When I read reports that say, “Scientists have discovered a way to . . .”, I’d like to know how they did it, not just what they found out. Although, I guess it’s so others can’t copy the work and claim it for themselves. On the other hand, why even say they found out what they did without giving the nesesary information for others to prove them right or wrong? It irritates me!

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:43:57 +0000

My malti-poo dog exhibits a number of un-doglike behaviors, reminiscent of autism. She avoids people – if talked to or even looked at she will leave the room. When she is sitting on the couch, she will permit you to pet her, but she does not respond at all to it – doesn’t cock her head or lean in to your hand, as other pets do. She doesnt seem to recognize affection. I thought this was because she was rescued from a backyard breeder, til I met other dogs with similar histories, who do know & want affection & attention. She whines & runs away when asked “go for a walk?!” And the only thing that seems to motivate her is food. She will come when called ONLY when tempted with a morsel, which she will take from your hand, then quickly retreat. Does not socialize with other dogs. Just ignores them or avoids them.Have had her 3 years. Would love to hear suggestions that may help her become more sociable.

By: Sonja Larsen

Sonja Larsen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:51:25 +0000

I have been wondering about this for some time. There is a specific kind of thoroughbred (racetrack people call them “ratty” horses) that appears to display autism spectrum disorder. They are supersensitive to touch and sound, seem to lack the ability to recognize social cues from other horses and often weave, pace and crib. Such horses, though intelligent and often talented, seem to be unable to regain their composure once it is lost.

It could be a useful thing to research, especially given that the pedigree of every single thoroughbred horse can be reliably traced back for four centuries. If it’s a genetic trait in horses, surely it can be pinpointed and possibly even predicted? Also, many horses with such traits are successfully trained for racing, showjumping, dressage, etc. Couldn’t those techniques be modified for people, too?

By: Tanya

Tanya — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:10:19 +0000

I have a horse i am currently training who i am convinced is autistic! Hi’s boddy language with other horses is all wrong, but most noticably he is a nice natured animal that is not afraid of most things but you can watch him and his eyes get a soft, doughy look about them and he is no longer “there” then the slightest thing will ‘wake him up’ and with no warning he explodes in a full blown temper tantrum. I have found you need to keep touching and talking to him when your handling him to keep his brain focused and he’s fine. Has anyone done any reserch on this?

By: David N. Andrews M. Ed. (Distinction)

David N. Andrews M. Ed. (Distinction) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:46:05 +0000

“Is autism something particularly distinct to humans?”

Strictly speaking, yes. For a number of reasons.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:11:58 +0000

@Leta, fascinating—-sounds like she has the right home and family—-

By: Leta

Leta — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:29:06 +0000

I was suspected that my son’s chihauhua was autistic but after reading some of the posts on this website, I am totally convinced! She will not come to any one in the family but my son, but if you sit on the sofa she will come and sit with you and wag her tail but as soon as you try to return pick her up she freaks and starts to try cry and jump out of your hands. She barks and growls at my husbands feet but is happy to go to him when he is laying on the bed. She will be walking and turn around in circles about five times. When someone lays down next to her she rubs her body against our heads over and over like a cat. She is ritulalistic about eating. She takes a piece of food and runs under the table or into another room where one of is at and eats it. sometimes she turning around in circles when she is on her way to get the food. She must burn all the calories she eats during her meals running back and forth! She always seems to be on the alert. looking back and forth from room to room. I have also worked with autistic adults and when I saw her behaviors I began to think she was autistic but had not heard anyone talk about autistic dogs until now. I have had several chihuahuas and other breeds but have never seen these types of behaviors. I am glad my son is so accepting of her behavior and loves her for her uniqueness.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:54:55 +0000

@nicoahyany,

we don’t have any pets and I do think a cat might be good though my son is fascinated somewhat by dogs when we see them on the street—–thank you—

By: nicorahyany

nicorahyany — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:58:13 +0000

I have 3 cats all of whom I love dearly. However, my youngest cat, a 2 year old calico, is very socially inept. She does not like to be around people at all and will not look at you. I have to literally trap her in order to be able to hold her and give her affection – which she absolutely hates. My other cats are very well-adjusted and social. All 3 were rescues and I have had all of them since they were at least 3 months old. They grew up in the same environment and had the same amount of love and affection. As a special education teacher and after working with several students who are on the spectrum, I truly believe that my baby is autistic or at least exhibits autistic tendencies. My vet told us that she would outgrow her “fear” in time, but she has yet to do so and I really don’t think that she ever really will. After having several cats I am a firm believer that cats can have many of the same problems that people have – including autism and learning disabilities.

By: Mark Almond

Mark Almond — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:43:12 +0000

I strongley belive that it is not only possible but fact. I have a small bichon frese and have had him scince a pup. He is a lovley little dog and is very loving but displays alot of autistic characteristics, he has some very strange habbits (taking food from his bowl to another part of the house, that beeing the same chosen spot), dosnt learn when running a walking into stationary objects and seems not to feel any pain when doing so, like the garden gate (when you would have asumed that it would hurt him). He is also very highly strung, if someone outside makes the littlest nosie he will be up and barking for hours (similar to an autistic person when they freak out) and nothing will deter him. Although none of this is concrete evidence to prove he is an autistic dog I have grown up with dogs all my life and like a human that has autism he has a very differant personality to all other dogs, so differant that I am covinced. Please let me know your thoughts.