Because of his diagnosis and the corresponding behaviors I have come to a fair understanding of the characteristics and traits of Autism. I have read extensively on the subject and attended many workshops and lectures related to it. I have even led a number of workshops and discussion groups. Most of all I have 19 years of hands-on experience living with this disorder 24/7. So there is not much that would surprise me. What I never counted on was discovering a new phenomenon: ASDD, that is, Autism Spectrum Disorders in Dogs!
One of our family members is a black Labrador retriever named Maggie. Maggie is somewhere in her 11th year of life, we think. She, like my son, was adopted. The difference is she came from a Humane Society kennel and without a birth certificate. So we are not exactly sure about her age.
The other day I was sitting in our living room watching Maggie and allowing my mind to wander, which is not a difficult task for me. That's when I suddenly became aware of numerous similarities between Maggie and my son. The more I thought about it, the more I came to the conclusion that dogs might be born with Autistic tendencies, too. At least, I think Maggie was!
I have a card I received from the Autism Society of America. This card lists some of the more common characteristics of persons with Autism. A careful look at this list causes me to think that the person who wrote it was describing my dog. Here are some of the traits described.
"Persons on the autism spectrum may:
1. Not understand what you say. At times there is a real communication breakdown between Maggie and me. I tell her to go fetch her bone and she lays down. A counselor once advised my wife and I to carefully speak in concrete terms in order for our son to understand. Keep instructions short and to the point. Less words = greater understanding. The same is true for dogs. One or two word commands work best: "Sit. Speak. Lie down. Go for a walk?" If I mix in too many words she just cocks her head and raises her ears as if to say, "Huh?"
2. Appear deaf. Need I say more?
3. Be unable to speak or speak with difficulty. I have had dogs that would respond to the request to "Speak" by offering a short bark. Not Maggie. I don't think she can speak in a comprehensible way.
4. Engage in repetitive behavior. Oh yeah! One of our favorite games is to have my wife stand at one end of the yard and me at the other. Maggie loves to run back and forth between us - over and over again. Or she will Play tug-of-war until I fear her teeth will fall out. She also enjoys running after any number of toys we throw for her. Usually I give up before she does.
5. Act upset for no apparent reason. From time to time we are both sitting in the living room relaxing when all of a sudden Maggie will jump up like she was just bit by a snake, turn all around once or twice, and then scamper off to another spot. Or this same creature who at times appears deaf will offer a very low, muffled growl while she goes over to the door or near a window, as if she heard something outside that was threatening. I, of course, never heard a thing.
6. Engage in self-stimulating behaviors (i.e., hand flapping or rocking). At times she will just lick the top of her paw over and over. I will look but can see no sign of any discomfort or infection. Then, too, she will frequently come up to me and nudge my hand, insisting that I pet her or rub her behind the ears. I can see no value in this, but she insists just the same. Additionally, both my son and my dog absolutely love to take walks!
Not on the ASA list, but one I would add, is simple pleasures are greatly exaggerated. If you know anything about black labs you realize that they are a high-strung, overjoyed breed. They can wiggle their backside and wag their tail better than just about any bread, except perhaps the poodle. I am convinced that Maggie has ADHD, a very common reality for people on the autism spectrum. I also suspect she is Obsessive Compulsive (OCD) because she knows exactly when it is 4:00 pm. That is her usual supper time. If I miss it, as I frequently will, she lets me know in concrete terms! And there is no changing her mind, trust me. Likewise she also will demand that she be given a treat at 7:00 pm. No watch needed. To my knowledge dogs cannot tell time, yet she never fails in this routine that she so energetically has established.
The back side of the ASA card offers some "Helpful hints for interacting with someone who has autism." These include:
1. Speak slowly and use simple language. Check!
2. Use concrete terms. Already established.
3. Repeat simple questions. Roger that!
4. Allow time for responses. Autistic dogs move at their own pace!
5. Give lots of praise. Any questions so far?
So there you have it. A case for establishing a new diagnosis known as ADSD: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS FOR DOGS! I want to talk to Maggie's Vet about this, but I am afraid he will want to send her to a psychiatrist for further testing, and in all honesty that would take me out of my comfort zone.
gdgehr March 25, 2011
For the record, the above post is intended to be a
humorous way of describing the basic traits of autism in many
individuals - human individuals, that is. Any similarities to your
dog are purely coincidental. If your dog displays some of these
traits I am not suggesting that he or she is suffering from autism.
But if you choose to explore the possibilities, I'd love to hear from you!
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