Animal Models in Autism Research (and beyond): A Narrative Review

This narrative review critically examines the use of animal models in behavioural psychology research focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through historical and conceptual analysis of animal experimentation, the article advances a critique of the 'as if' and 'similar to' definitions currently applied to these models and their associated methodologies. The analysis questions whether behavioural psychology experimentation aimed at studying neurodiversity from typically human complex conditions such as autism and schizophrenia meets the three fundamental criteria for ethical animal research: sound scientific basis, demonstrable usefulness, and minimization of suffering. By synthesizing perspectives from neuroscience, ethology, and philosophy of mind, the review argues that psychological-behavioural models of autism in animals are fundamentally problematic due to anthropomorphic fallacies, questionable validity, and significant ethical concerns. While genetic animal models may provide insights into specific biological mechanisms, the construction of 'autistic' animals through behavioural interpretation creates substantial scientific and moral challenges that undermine the translational value of such research and raise serious questions about its justifiability.