Aspergers - Characteristics and Traits

Tony Attwood has detailed a ‘profile’ of abilities for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome which is based upon his years of research and clinical practice.  The following table is based upon Attwood’s ‘profile’.

Impaired Social Interaction Skills and Abilities

Failure to develop friendships that are appropriate to the child’s developmental level, (e.g. may prefer to play or interact with younger children or older adults.)

Impaired use of non-verbal behaviour, such as eye gaze, facial expression and body language to regulate social interactions.

A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing or pointing out objects of interest to other people)

Lack of social and emotional reciprocity and empathy, (e.g. may not notice subtle emotions like  embarrassment or shyness)

Impaired ability to identify social cues and conventions.  (e.g. may not notice when someone is no longer interested in what they are talking about)

Impaired Communication Skills

Fluent speech but difficulties with conversation skills.

A tendency to be pedantic and to take the literal meaning in verbal communication and not understand common language conventions or slang.  

Unusual prosody (stiff or formal rhythm and tone to speech)

Restrictive Interests


The development of special interests that is unusual in their intensity and focus.  (e.g. obsessive interest in trains, drawing, electronics, or forensic science)

Preference for routine and consistency.  (e.g. doesn’t like changes to timetables or plans)

Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Other restrictive abilities


Hypersensitivity to specific auditory and tactile experiences.

Motor clumsiness and problems with handwriting or fine motor skills.

Problems with organisation and time management skills.

Difficulty explaining thoughts and ideas verbally