Neurodiversity in Animals: Four-Part Series

The concept of neurodiversity is primarily used with regard to humans. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that different neurological conditions are normal variations in the way the brain processes and perceives the world around us. Did you know that research suggests that animals have diverse brains too? They can show variations in how they process sensory, attentional, and social information. Some of these variations may be similar to human conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

In animals, while we don't typically diagnose them with these human-specific conditions, researchers have observed a wide range of naturally occurring behavioral and cognitive variations that suggest a form of neurodiversity. While animals do not express, and may not experience, variations in neurobiology in the same way that humans do, there is increasing interest in animal neurodiversity both clinically and scientifically. For example, in dogs, studies show variations in behavior and cognition that might be analogous to certain human neurological conditions.

To ensure we approach this fascinating topic from a multidisciplinary perspective, with a focus on practical application while also bringing you cutting-edge research findings, we have brought together a team of Behavior Vets presenters with a special guest speaker - a world-renowned Neuroscientist who leads a research team studying neurodiversity in animals and people.

During this series, we will highlight similarities and differences between humans and animals, with a focus on clinical presentations related to sensory processing, attentional processing, and social processing, including a discussion of the existing canine literature, and the all-important practical management of clinical conditions.

Our presenters include Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr Elise Christensen, Veterinarian and Neuroscientist Dr Kathy Murphy, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Bobbie Bhambree, all of whom will be on hand to discuss these topics with the sensitivity they require.

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🌎 EDIT:
We acknowledge the concerns raised about our upcoming webinar series, discussing neurodiversity in dogs. Our goal is to foster a dialogue on neurodivergence, that aims to shift away from the medical model to embrace a more holistic understanding that values neurodiversity.

Our team will be using nomenclature that is true to each speaker, but it may be different for each other and different from the preferences of some our audience. We acknowledge this conversation involves multiple passionate viewpoints. We are coming to this conversation about neurodiversity in animals in the spirit of inquiry, kindness, and support for the human-animal bond.

Behavior Vets actively seeks to be an inclusive platform for both the community we serve, and those we collaborate with. Our commitment extends to providing a platform where diverse perspectives are shared and respected. We recognize concerns about safety and prioritize creating an environment that fosters understanding, empathy, and support for all individuals, regardless of neurodivergent experiences.

We therefore honor our guest speakers own set of circumstances by not including their details on the public facing advertisement for this event. We appreciated this may not suit some, however we have chosen this path in this spirit of seeking a safe space for all.

Within our speaker group for this series, we have speakers who have both been formally diagnosed as neurodiverse and those who self-identify as neurodiverse, and with a variety of lived experience of neurodiversity which has led to many fascinating private conversations. The conversation that led to the creation of this series was one around the potential risks associated with pathologizing neurodiversity, to what extent that approach is relevant, or not, to animal species, and how we might create a safe space to discuss it in animals given the context of increasing scientific interest.

We actively seek, throughout this series, to be respectful and understanding of differing views and definitions of neurodiversity in animals, while remaining committed to bringing you reflection and review of the latest scientific information. We intend to open the conversation and discuss both the science, lived experience with these conditions, and our knowledge of dog behavior.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And thank you to those in our industry who have shared their thoughts and concerns. We recognize the sensitivity of this conversation and appreciate your contributions.

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Tuition:

• Early Bird Tickets – before February 29: $179
• General Admission Tickets – after February 29: $225
• Shelter/Rescue/Vet Student/Vet Tech Tickets - no expiration date: 30% off general admission ticket (discount code is SDFWBV)

Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more - please contact Webinars@BehaviorVets.com for more information.

Cancellation policy: No refunds

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