Could your pet be neurodiverse?

An interesting article on whether humans are the only neurodiverse species:

https://theconversation.com/autistic-dogs-neurodiversity-in-our-pets-and-what-it-might-mean-for-us-265888

People are increasingly aware of neurodiversity, and diagnoses such as autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are becoming more common. And scientists are starting to give their attention to the idea that some of our animal cousins may also experience the world in different ways because of diversity in how their brains function. 

It covers some interesting aspects of animal behaviour and asks whether neurodiversity may be much more widespread than we think.

Parents
  • I think it is unlikely that a pet such as a dog will ever be diagnosed with autism or ADHD because a dog can’t say how it is affected. Having said that, my old dog often exhibited behaviours similar to those in humans with ADHD. 

    The study on beagles with a Shank3 gene mutation used stressed dogs kept in laboratory conditions.

    Dogs displaying behaviours that look like autistic traits should see a Vet because it may be a behavioural problem or a sign of a physical condition.

    https://manypets.com/uk/articles/can-dogs-have-autism/

Reply
  • I think it is unlikely that a pet such as a dog will ever be diagnosed with autism or ADHD because a dog can’t say how it is affected. Having said that, my old dog often exhibited behaviours similar to those in humans with ADHD. 

    The study on beagles with a Shank3 gene mutation used stressed dogs kept in laboratory conditions.

    Dogs displaying behaviours that look like autistic traits should see a Vet because it may be a behavioural problem or a sign of a physical condition.

    https://manypets.com/uk/articles/can-dogs-have-autism/

Children
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