Can dogs have Autism/ Asperger's? - Page 2

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Well, I had an interesting discussion with a specialist vet in the UK concerning a dog of mine who was the result of a litter concieved while the bitch was on Cheque-drops.  He stated that the high estrogen present at the time of conception could have caused some form of "retardation".  The entire litter was a bit strange, but one dog in particular reminded me of autism symptoms.  Because they are canine and we are primate, I'm sur there are differences, but then , there are probably similarities as well.

 Dogs live in the present.

I'm curious what you mean by this. I hear it often, but it doesn't equate to what I know of dogs.  They have a great sense of "time", knowing when the school bus will drop off their favorite kid (understanding that time must pass until that moment) and they grieve, for things past.  So, I'm just curious what your definition of this is. Thanks.  

I believe it means they don't hold grudges from past experiences. Autism should not be confused with retardation, though some on the spectrum can also have retardation. Often Autism Spectrum individuals have a hard time with carrying generalizations to other places or areas in their lives, which is why change is upsetting for them. For instance, if a child rides a bus and it gets off at a certain stop everyday, and then one day it stops somewhere else, this can feel like a total new experience to someone on the spectrum. They have to be taught to generalize expectations/experiences.

How would this relate to a dog if it could be on the Spectrum? Well, for instance a dog might learn to retrieve a ball in your yard, but would fail to do the same thing in your friend's yard.  

 I have never encountred a dog with down syndrome is that even possible to have a dog that has down syndrome?

Probably not, it is a chromosome issue.

I believe it means they don't hold grudges from past experiences.


Good Golly, Miss Molly! You aren't saying that about DOGS are you!!!!!   : ) 

Gotcha. 

I think you guys are confusing Autism with Sensory Processing Disorder.
They aren't the same thing.

Any mammal can have a SPD.  Interestingly, in females, spaying seems to exacerbate it.

Here are the diagnostic criteria for autism - if you read it you'll see that a dog could not have this diagnosis because 1. dogs don't have spoken language, 2. have the same type of relationships with other dogs that people do, 3. use symbolic play.

[The following is from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV]
(I) A total of six (or more) items from (A), (B), and (C), with at least two from (A), and one each from (B) and (C)

(A) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

1. marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the description, it gives the following as examples: not actively participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or "mechanical" aids )

(B) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

(C) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

(II) Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:
(A) social interaction
(B) language as used in social communication
(C) symbolic or imaginative play

(III) The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder