According to British veterinary scientists, dogs can be on the spectrum of neurodivergent disorders just like their owners. It is most often recognized by the fact that it is the dog is extremely alert and focuses its attention on one object. “Some dogs can be considered very neurotypical, while others can be more neurodivergent and resemble a person with autism or ADHD,” said Dr Jacqueline Boyd from Nottingham Trent University.
According to her, dogs may show structural and chemical differences in the brain similar to those of humans. That means that they may exhibit behaviors that would be diagnosed in humans as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Currently, there is no formal diagnosis of autism or ADHD in dogs. Vets call this behavior Canine Dysfunctional Behavior (CDB). But Dr. Boyd points out that scientists are beginning to take seriously the possibility that animals can perceive the world differently due to diversity in brain functioning.
Among the most common manifestations of autism in dogs are hypervigilance (extreme vigilance), hyperfokus (intense concentration on one object), poor impulse control, sensitivity to certain sounds, lack of interest in people and difficult socialization.
“A simple example that I always recognize is extreme alertness or intense focus on one object,” adds Dr. Boyd. These traits can make a dog very attentive or extremely preoccupied with the outside world, mimicking some of the characteristics of ADHD or autism in humans.
Some dogs may also show signs associated with autism, such as over-sensitivity to sounds such as fireworks or screaming, and problems with socialization. “The human population is very diverse in nervous system, there are many types of brains, and it is probably the same in dogs and many other species,” adds Dr. Boyd.
