ASD cases have risen dramatically from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 54 in 2016. This significant change has led scientists to study autism in animals extensively. Their research shows fascinating patterns of autism-like behaviors in animals of all types.

Scientists have found strong evidence of autism in animals through different research approaches. Mice show repetitive behaviors while dogs with Canine Dysfunctional Behavior demonstrate traits similar to autism. These animal studies are changing how we understand ASD. The genetic factors that contribute to autism exist in multiple species, and scientists have identified dozens of rare genetic disorders that increase ASD risk.

The research behind animal autism opens new possibilities. We'll get into specific cases from different species and learn what these findings mean for human and animal medicine. Studies ranging from rodents to primates help us understand the complex nature of autism spectrum disorders better.

The Science Behind Animal Autism: What Researchers Have Found

Scientists are trying to answer a complex question: can animals have autism? The research keeps evolving, and studies have given us fascinating explanations about autism-like behaviors in many species. Animal autism research needs a more detailed approach than human diagnoses that rely on behavioral criteria to spot and understand these patterns.

Defining autism-like behaviors in animals

Scientists who study autism in animals look at behaviors that match the main symptoms seen in humans with ASD. Their research with rodents focuses on three main categories that match human autism symptoms:

• Social interaction deficits: Animals might show less interest in social play, have trouble recognizing others, or find it hard to interact with their own kind

• Communication challenges: Scientists measure these through ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) or how animals mark their territory

• Repetitive behaviors: These include too much self-grooming, burying marbles, or doing the same actions over and over

BTBR mice naturally show all three main autism-like behaviors. They interact less socially, make unusual sounds, and groom themselves too much. Bull terriers sometimes chase their tails in ways that look like the repetitive movements seen in humans with autism.

Animals might also show other behaviors linked to autism. They can be more anxious, process sensory information differently, and be sensitive to certain stimuli. Some cats repeat behaviors and have trouble socializing in ways that remind us of autism traits.

A researcher points out that "While dogs can exhibit behaviors that resemble autism in humans, it's important to understand that autism in dogs is not identical to autism in humans".

Key differences between human and animal autism

Human autism and animal autism-like behaviors share some traits but have big differences. Autism as a diagnosis belongs uniquely to humans - we can't directly compare some behaviors across species.

The sort of thing I love is how people with ASD might struggle with human social interactions but connect with animals differently. Research shows some interesting patterns:

• Young people with ASD look at animals the same way their peers do

• People with ASD often connect better with animals than humans

• Kids with ASD spend more time looking at animal faces (cats, dogs, monkeys) than robot or human faces

This might explain why animal-assisted therapy works well for some people with autism. Studies show that 25% of families who have children with autism have tried some type of animal-assisted therapy.

Empathy creates another big difference. People with ASD might show unusual empathy toward humans, but research suggests they connect normally with animals. This selective difference shows how complex autism's brain patterns are - patterns we don't fully see in animal models.

The challenges of studying autism across species

Scientists face many hurdles studying autism in different species. Autism shows up differently in humans, and it might actually be several distinct disorders with various causes. This makes it really hard to create accurate animal models.

Biology works differently between species too. One study explains that "A gene that is structurally similar at the DNA levels, or at the RNA organizational level, or has similar functionality in two species, may result in two different phenotypes".

More challenges include:

• Validation difficulties: Scientists debate whether to focus on matching behaviors or biological mechanisms

• Species-specific communication: Rodents mainly use smell while primates rely on sight, which makes behavior assessment tricky

• Ethical considerations: The neurodiversity movement questions if animal models support problematic medical views of autism

Animal models still help us study genetic factors and possible treatments. Most current research uses genetic models (changing autism-linked genes) or environmental models (copying risk factors like maternal infection or valproic acid exposure).

One study notes that "Although no animal model can fully capture the behavior and genetic complexity of ASD, songbirds can supplement the shortcomings of rodent genetic models and provide essential insights into communication deficiencies".

Scientists keep improving their methods to study autism-like behaviors across species. They work hard to connect what we learn from animal models to human conditions.

Animal Models Used to Study Autism

Researchers use many animal models to understand autism spectrum disorder better. These models help scientists understand the neurobiological basis of autism and test possible treatments. Each model gives us new insights, though none can perfectly mirror this complex human condition.

Rodent models and their limitations

Mice and rats are the backbone of autism research because they share genetic traits with humans, reproduce quickly, and can live in large groups. These models need to meet three types of validity:

• Construct validity: Sharing the same biological mechanisms as humans

• Face validity: Showing symptoms that match human symptoms

• Predictive validity: Responding to treatments that work in humans

Mouse behavior matches core autism symptoms, such as changes in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and communication problems. Scientists use specific tests to measure these behaviors—three-chamber sociability tests check social interaction, ultrasonic vocalization recordings track communication, and marble burying tests look at repetitive behaviors.

"ASD rodent models possess significant face and construct validity but lack predictive validity," notes one study. This happens because we don't have approved drug treatments for autism's core symptoms, which makes it impossible to establish predictive validity right now.

The BTBR mouse strain shows all three core autism-like behaviors naturally, without any genetic changes. Scientists often use this strain to study possible treatments.

Rodent models have some big drawbacks. Their visual systems are quite different from humans, so scientists can't study poor eye contact—a classic sign of autism. Mouse communication is also very different from human speech, which limits research into language problems.

Primate research: Closer to human autism

Non-human primates work better than rodents for autism studies because they're more closely related to humans. Rodents split from humans more than 70 million years ago, while macaques branched off just 25 million years ago.

This closer relationship means more similarities in genetics, neurobiology, and behavior. "The rich social repertoire of the rhesus monkey is a chance to address the biggest problem of developing behavioral tests that relate well to ASD symptoms," one researcher explains.

Primates and humans share similar brain circuits that control social behavior. Both species rely on visual cues to understand their social world—unlike rodents, which depend more on smell.

Marmoset models have shown great promise. Scientists created an autism marmoset model using valproic acid during pregnancy. These animals "exhibit synaptic, behavioral, and molecular phenotypes close to those of human ASD".

Scientists recently found macaques that show unusual social behaviors like those in autism. These behaviors run in families at rates similar to humans (60-80%), which suggests these primates could help us study autism genetics.

Zebra finches: Studying communication deficits

Communication problems are central to autism, but rodent models don't deal very well with this aspect. The zebra finch—a songbird—gives scientists a better way to study this feature.

"Although no animal model can fully capture the behavior and genetic complexity of ASD, songbirds can supplement the shortcomings of rodent genetic models and give an explanation into communication deficiencies".

Male zebra finches learn their courtship songs by listening to adult males and copying them—much like humans learn language. Their song is complex and serves social purposes, using brain circuits similar to human language.

Scientists have found several autism-linked genes that play vital roles in zebra finch song development. One study showed that turning off the FoxP1 gene—closely tied to autism—stops young birds from remembering their fathers' songs accurately.

Scientists made another fascinating discovery: male zebra finches have high levels of CNTNAP2—a protein linked to autism and language disorders—in key brain areas related to song. This protein appears differently in males (who sing) and females (who don't), which suggests it matters for learning to vocalize.

These findings might help explain how genetic factors affect speech development in humans with autism. New treatments based on songbird research could eventually help children with autism-related communication challenges.

Genetic Factors: Do Animals Share Autism Genes with Humans?

Scientists have identified hundreds of genes that may contribute to ASD in humans. Many of these same genes exist in a variety of species. This gives us valuable clues about how autism shows up throughout the animal kingdom.

MECP2, FMR1, and SHANK3 genes across species

Animals and humans share several key genes linked to autism. These genes work in similar ways and affect brain development, how synapses work, and neural communication.

MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) is one of the most studied genes related to autism. Changes in this gene lead to Rett syndrome in humans. Doctors often classify this condition as part of ASD because it shares symptoms like repetitive movements, poor motor skills, and social withdrawal. MECP2 controls hundreds of genes that help synapses adapt and support brain development in different species. Research shows that ASD patients' brains have more MECP2 promoter methylation and less MECP2 expression.

Mice with MECP2 mutations show symptoms very similar to humans. These mice are less social, have fewer dendritic spines, and their brain synapses don't strengthen as well (reduced long-term potentiation or LTP). The sort of thing I love is a study where scientists created mice with specific methylation at the MECP2 promoter. This change reduced gene expression and caused autism-like behaviors. It was the first clear proof linking DNA methylation to ASD-like traits.

FMR1 gene changes cause Fragile X syndrome, another single-gene cause of ASD. This gene makes FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein), which stops certain synaptic proteins from being made when cells are active. Mice without FMR1 have immature dendritic spines and stronger mGluR-dependent depression in the hippocampus. These synaptic changes might explain autism-related behaviors.

SHANK3 makes a support protein that synapses need to work. Scientists have linked SHANK3 changes to ASD and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The first inherited Shank3b-mutant zebrafish showed autism-like behavior and different levels of synaptic proteins. Scientists also created SHANK3-knockout cynomolgus monkeys. These monkeys had motor problems, repeated behaviors, social issues, trouble learning, and sleep problems. This shows how consistent these effects are across different species.

How genetic mutations affect animal behavior

Animal models with autism-linked gene changes reveal specific behavioral shifts. These models come in different types:

• Monogenic models (single gene mutations)

• Copy number variation models

• Inbred strains that naturally show ASD-related behaviors

Scientists found that mice lacking SHANK3 had an overactive cortex-striatum-thalamic loop, which made them less social. This helps explain how genetic changes might lead to behavioral symptoms.

Research has found a strong link between genes that affect cattle temperament and autism in humans. This doesn't mean cattle have autism. Instead, both species share genes that are vital for brain function and fear responses. Scientists explain, "Some DNA variants in those genes are more common in people with autism and, in cattle, some DNA variants in those same genes are found to make the cattle more fearful in new situations".

There's another interesting case involving the TOP2a gene, which controls many autism risk genes. Studies in zebrafish showed that reducing this gene made them less social. Treatment with an experimental drug helped bring back social behavior. This shows how genetic insights might lead to new treatments.

Genetic editing is moving autism research forward faster than ever. CRISPR/Cas9 technology lets scientists make precise genetic changes in animals that match human autism mutations. For example, mice with the 15q11-q13 duplication - one of the most common genetic factors in autism - show brain abnormalities typical of ASD, including problems with communication and movement.

The genetic links between humans and animals give us strong evidence that core features of autism exist across species. This opens up great ways to get deeper insights into this complex condition.

Environmental Triggers of Autism-Like Behaviors in Animals

Environmental factors, alongside genetics, play a vital role in triggering autism-like behaviors in animals. Studies show that specific conditions during key developmental stages can substantially change brain development. These changes result in behaviors that mirror autism symptoms in species of all types.

Maternal immune activation

The mother's immune response during pregnancy—not the infection itself—creates the vital connection between prenatal infection and altered brain development in offspring. Research shows that maternal viral and bacterial infections create major risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Scientists employ various immunostimulants in Maternal immune activation (MIA) models to induce autism-like behaviors in animals. Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]—which mimics viral infection—proves especially effective. Adult offspring of mice injected with poly(I:C) during pregnancy show behavioral deficits, including reduced sociability and sensorimotor gating. These behavioral changes happen even without direct virus impact on the fetal brain.

Male and female offspring respond differently to maternal immune activation. Male offspring typically show stronger autism-like behaviors after poly(I:C) exposure. A study revealed that male rats exposed to poly(I:C) showed changed ultrasonic vocalizations during social interactions and poor social odor discrimination. Female rats displayed more aggression and heightened reactions to somatosensory stimulation.

The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) guides this process. Scientists found that adding an anti-IL-6 antibody prevents social interaction deficits from poly(I:C) exposure. This discovery highlights IL-6's vital role in these effects.

Exposure to toxins and chemicals

Valproic acid (VPA) stands out among environmental agents linked to autism. VPA, used to treat epilepsy and mood disorders, raises autism risk 20 times higher than normal when exposure happens during pregnancy.

Scientists developed the "VPA rat" model by exposing rats to VPA before birth. These rats show traits remarkably like human autism: poor social interaction, repetitive behaviors, increased anxiety, and stronger fear memory. These VPA-exposed animals also show immune system changes similar to autistic patients.

Other chemicals create comparable effects. A newer study found that deltamethrin (a common mosquito control pesticide) caused hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and learning problems in exposed mice's offspring. These effects appeared even at doses regulators considered safe. Blood samples from 70-80% of the general public contain pyrethroid residues.

Heavy metals also contribute to autism-like behaviors in animals. Male mice exposed to lead, mercury, and other metals before birth showed less social interaction and epigenetic changes. These changes grouped together based on specific metal exposure.

Research about bisphenol A alternatives revealed that early exposure to BPSIP (a BPA replacement) caused autism-like behaviors in mice offspring. Female mice particularly showed more anxiety, reduced spatial memory, and less interest in social novelty.

The role of early life stress

Research proves that pregnancy stress affects brain development and raises autism risk. Male rats specifically showed decreased social interaction from prenatal stress. Female rats, however, became more social.

Placental response differences might explain this sex-specific vulnerability. Early pregnancy stress substantially increased PPARα and IGFBP1 expression in male placentas while decreasing it in female placentas. This shows how maternal stress directly changes gene expression through the placenta.

Stress hormones, particularly glucocorticoids, act as key mediators. Studies in animals show that high cortisol exposure before birth changes neuron development and makes the hippocampus smaller. Stress also reduces 11β-HSD2—an enzyme protecting the fetus from maternal cortisol. This leaves the developing brain more vulnerable to stress hormones.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis serves a central purpose. Prenatal stress creates lasting changes in stress response components, including higher corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and lower glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression. These changes relate to altered gene methylation, showing evidence of epigenetic programming during early prenatal stress.

Evidence of Autism in Wild Animals

Wild animal populations give us unexpected insights into natural behaviors that look like autism, showing us more than what we see in labs. Researchers have found behaviors in natural settings that help us understand how autism-like traits might appear without human influence.

Observed behaviors in wild populations

Studies of social variations in wild primates show fascinating similarities to human autism. Male rhesus monkeys who naturally avoid social interaction show more autism-like traits. These behaviors are linked to specific brain chemistry patterns, particularly low levels of arginine vasopressin in their spinal fluid.

Female rhesus monkeys show a range of non-social behaviors like males do, but with notable differences. Their social behaviors don't match autism-like traits. The main factor is their rank—higher-ranking females show fewer autism-like traits than those lower in the hierarchy.

A field biologist watching coyotes in Grand Teton National Park noticed a coyote pup that showed behaviors like autism. The researcher pointed out that wild animals who lack typical social skills would struggle to survive, which means those with extreme versions of these traits likely don't live long in the wild.

Evolutionary perspectives on autism-like traits

Scientists who study evolution suggest autism-like traits might have helped our ancestors survive. The "Solitary Forager Hypothesis" suggests these traits could have been useful when food was hard to find. This theory says people with autism-like traits had mental abilities that helped them:

• Spot patterns better to track and find resources

• Focus deeply on tasks needed to survive

• Need less social contact, which made solo foraging easier

• Stick to routines that helped them gather food reliably

This view suggests that social behaviors we now see as unusual in autism might have helped people survive in certain environments. One researcher explains, "The powerful and mobilizing asocial fascinations and preoccupations seen in modern-day autism could have aided their prehistoric counterparts in self-preservation".

Genetic research adds more evidence to this idea. Scientists found that parts of our DNA that differ from chimpanzees (human accelerated regions or HARs) have many mutations linked to autism. Children with autism are 6.5 times more likely to have changes in these special evolutionary regions.

The case of isolated orangutans

Orangutans offer a unique look at autism-like traits in nature. These mostly solitary apes naturally show many behaviors that look like autism. They prefer limited social contact, follow strict routines, and focus intensely on specific tasks.

Wild orangutans spend most of their time alone and only meet others briefly to mate or socialize. They live this way because their food sources are spread far apart, which makes living alone more practical.

Scientists have noticed something interesting about orangutans brought into captivity from isolation. These apes sometimes show behaviors that look remarkably like autism symptoms. They might repeat movements, avoid social contact, and focus intensely on certain objects. These observations suggest that autism-like behaviors might be extreme versions of traits that helped some animals live alone in certain environments.

Can Dogs Have Autism? Examining Canine Dysfunctional Behavior

Research about autism-like behaviors in dogs has shown some amazing results. We focused on certain breeds that show behaviors just like human autism spectrum disorder. More and more veterinary behaviorists now see "canine dysfunctional behavior" as something that looks a lot like autism. The way we understand and describe this keeps changing though.

Bull terriers and tail-chasing behavior

The largest longitudinal study of 333 Bull Terriers showed that about 20% of them chase their tails—a repeated action that looks like the spinning some autistic children do. Dogs start showing this behavior as early as 8 weeks old, and male dogs do it more often. These dogs share many traits with human autism beyond just repeated behaviors.

Bull Terriers who chase their tails usually:

• Have trouble with social interaction and communication

• Can't handle stress well

• Get fixated on objects

• Hurt themselves

• Often burst into aggression

The research found something interesting. These tail-chasing Bull Terriers had much higher levels of neurotensin (NT) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)—the same markers we see in people with autism. These dogs responded well to autism medications like Prozac and anticonvulsant therapies.

Social deficits in certain dog breeds

Dogs with ASD-like behaviors show clear differences in how they understand social situations. Research shows that dogs with poor social skills have attention and perception issues like people with ASD, especially when you have small changes that shouldn't matter much.

These social problems show up as:

• Dogs avoiding eye contact

• Poor social interaction

• Problems with communication

• Behavior that looks trance-like

Scientists created the Interspecific Social Responsiveness Survey (ISRS) to check dogs' social skills that might connect to ASD-like behaviors. Dogs with better social skills could tell the difference between social and non-social distractions. Dogs with social problems couldn't focus on social situations properly.

Ground case: Jake the Border Collie

JAKE® (Joint Attention Keypoint Evaluation) shows how far canine autism research has come. Scientists first made this system to measure how well autism treatments work in humans. The system uses several technologies: electroencephalography, eye tracking, electrocardiography, electrodermal activity, facial affect analysis, and actigraphy.

JAKE® worked well even at clinics that hadn't used these technologies before. It spotted differences in ASD symptoms that matched traditional testing methods. Subjects handled the sensors well, which suggests they could help measure autism and track how well treatments work in future studies.

Border Collies often show autism-like behaviors too. These smart dogs focus intensely on things, which can lead to problem behaviors if they don't get proper outlets. Sometimes they act like they have autism symptoms - doing things over and over, struggling socially, and getting fixated on specific objects.

Signs of Autism in Other Domestic Animals

Domestic animals other than dogs show behaviors that remind us of autism spectrum disorder. This gives us a unique way to learn about this complex condition across different species. Many pet owners and researchers have noticed distinct patterns that point to autism-like traits in our household companions.

Cats and repetitive behaviors

Cats often show behaviors that look like autism traits. We see this through repeated movements like excessive grooming, pacing, and chasing their tails. These actions help them calm down when their environment stresses them out. Cats with these autism-like behaviors find it hard to be social and show less interest in humans or other animals.

A real-life study showed that cats living with families who had autistic members were unusually accepting of the autistic person. They even preferred them over others. One mother's words stood out when she said her daughter's cats "bring her back to me". Studies revealed that families with an autistic member had higher rates of cat ownership. Autistic people were more likely to have cats compared to their neurotypical peers.

Horses with sensory sensitivities

Horses with autism-like traits show heightened reactions to sensory input. These special horses react strongly to sounds, textures, or visual signals that wouldn't bother most others. This sensitivity makes them great at picking up human emotions.

A therapeutic riding center in Colorado shared a touching story about a horse named Thunder. He was known for his sensory sensitivities and formed a special bond with a non-verbal autistic child. Thanks to their connection, the child spoke their first unprompted words after months of therapy.

Birds and communication challenges

Zebra finches help scientists study autism-related communication problems. Young male finches learn songs just like humans learn language - by listening to and copying adults during key growth periods. Scientists discovered that when they suppress autism-linked genes like FOXP1 or CNTNAP2 in specific brain areas, the birds can't learn songs from their fathers properly.

These domestic animals give us a fresh perspective on autism beyond human experience. They not only help people with autism but also provide valuable scientific knowledge.

What Animal Autism Teaches Us About Human Autism

Animal models play a vital role in helping scientists understand the complex biology behind autism spectrum disorder. Scientists have found remarkable similarities between animal behaviors and human autism symptoms. These models give us insights that human studies alone cannot provide.

Shared neural pathways

Research across different species shows striking patterns in neural circuits affected by autism. Scientists have found that ASD-related gene mutations lead to higher gene transcription and mRNA translation. This results in unusually strong synaptic connections in certain neural networks. The key biological pathways include:

• The mTOR pathway, which regulates protein synthesis at synapses

• The ERK/MAPK pathway, which is vital for cell signaling

• The FMRP-eIF4E-CYFIP pathway that controls synaptic protein levels

Scientists have found that most mutations in translation pathways create abnormally high levels of synaptic translation and proteins. This pattern stands out as one of the few common threads in autism's varied landscape. These findings help point the way to new drug targets.

Insights into sensory processing

Sensory issues are a universal feature of autism. More than 96% of children with ASD report both over- and under-sensitivity to various sensory inputs. Animal models have helped explain these sensory processing differences.

Mouse models with mutations in autism-risk genes (including Mecp2, Gabrb3, Shank3, and Fmr1) showed extreme sensitivity to light touch. The research team found something surprising - removing Mecp2 or Gabrb3 just from peripheral somatosensory neurons changed touch sensitivity and social behaviors.

This suggests that autism's sensory processing issues might start outside the brain. This could explain why treatments focused on sensory issues often help improve social skills.

New treatment possibilities

Animal research has opened doors to innovative treatments. Animal-assisted therapy shows particular promise. Children with ASD showed better social engagement during animal-assisted therapy compared to regular occupational therapy.

Therapeutic horseback riding has improved sensory responses by a lot. It boosted social motivation and reduced repetitive behaviors in children with autism. The horse's rhythmic movements seem to help children relax and feel less stressed.

Drug development also benefits from animal research. Experimental drugs like Nirsevimab have shown promise in animal models. They can prevent and even reverse autism-related behaviors. Oxygen enrichment treatment has also improved social behavior in animal models. Treated groups showed more interest in social interaction than control groups.

The connection between animal and human autism research continues to reveal promising ways to understand and treat this complex condition.

Conclusion

Scientists have found that autism-like behaviors exist in many different species. The evidence goes way beyond simple behavioral similarities. It shows shared genetic pathways and neural mechanisms that shape how autism shows up in different species.

Animal studies teach us about autism's complex nature. Both genes and environment play crucial roles. Scientists can learn about human autism by watching how these elements work together in animals. Research on mice, primates and songbirds shows that many autism-related genes work the same way across species. Environmental factors like maternal stress or immune system changes can affect both humans and animals similarly.

Animal research has created exciting new possibilities for autism treatment. Scientists have found promising new ways to help through animal studies. These range from new medications to understanding why therapy with animals works so well. Real-life examples show how horses can help children with autism process sensory information better. Studies of zebra finches might even help us tackle communication challenges.

This research shows us how much we can learn about autism by looking at our animal companions. The more we study autism in different species, the more we learn about this complex condition. This helps us find better ways to support both humans and animals with autism-like traits.

FAQs

Q1. Can animals truly have autism? While animals cannot be diagnosed with autism in the same way humans are, researchers have observed behaviors in certain species that resemble autism-like traits. These include repetitive actions, social interaction difficulties, and sensory sensitivities. However, these behaviors may have different underlying causes in animals compared to humans.

Q2. What animal models are used to study autism? Scientists use various animal models to study autism, including rodents (mice and rats), non-human primates, and songbirds like zebra finches. Each model offers unique insights into different aspects of autism, such as social behavior, communication, and genetic factors.

Q3. Are there specific dog breeds more likely to exhibit autism-like behaviors? Some dog breeds, such as Bull Terriers and Border Collies, have been observed to display behaviors that resemble autism-like traits more frequently. These can include repetitive actions, social challenges, and intense focus on specific objects. However, it's important to note that these behaviors may have various causes and are not necessarily indicative of autism.

Q4. How do environmental factors contribute to autism-like behaviors in animals? Environmental factors such as maternal immune activation, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, and early life stress have been shown to trigger autism-like behaviors in animal studies. These factors can affect brain development and alter behavior in ways that mirror some aspects of autism.

Q5. What can animal studies teach us about human autism? Animal studies provide valuable insights into the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying autism. They help researchers understand shared biological pathways, sensory processing differences, and potential treatment approaches. This research has led to new therapeutic possibilities, including the development of medications and the understanding of why animal-assisted interventions can be effective for some individuals with autism.