The 20 characteristics of Asperger syndrome
Explore the characteristics historically associated with the Asperger profile in more detail.
Explore →Giftedness · Autism Spectrum Disorder
Giftedness or Asperger syndrome / ASD?
Feeling out of step with others, heightened sensitivity, intense interests or atypical cognitive functioning can suggest several possibilities. Comparing High Intellectual Potential with the profile historically called “Asperger syndrome”, now included within Autism Spectrum Disorder, helps clarify their similarities and differences.
Video in French. The article below is available in English.
Two forms of functioning that can share certain traits
The term “Asperger syndrome” remains widely used in everyday language and by many people to describe themselves. In current diagnostic classifications, it is included within Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some characteristics can resemble those of giftedness, and the two can also coexist.
Similarities and differences between HIP and ASD / the Asperger profile
These comparisons describe possible tendencies. On their own, they are not diagnostic criteria.
| High Intellectual Potential | ASD / historically Asperger profile |
| Feels out of step with others | Feels out of step with others |
| Strong empathy cognitive empathy (can identify other people’s emotions) | Low cognitive empathy (has difficulty identifying other people’s emotions) |
| Strong empathy emotional empathy (feels other people’s emotions) | Strong emotional empathy (feels other people’s emotions) |
| Emotional sensitivity, possible sensory hypersensitivity | Sensory hypersensitivity, possible emotional hypersensitivity |
| Varied emotions that are easily expressed | Emotions not expressed verbally |
| Great sensitivity to injustice | Great sensitivity to injustice |
| IQ above 130 | No intellectual disability |
| Crystallised intelligence higher than task-processing speed | Crystallised intelligence higher than task-processing speed |
| Verbal intelligence higher than non-verbal intelligence | Verbal intelligence higher than non-verbal intelligence |
| Emotional intelligence high | Low emotional intelligence |
| Little or no clumsiness | Physical clumsiness |
| Intense, varied interests | Intense, restricted interests (extremely knowledgeable about one or a few subjects) |
| Comfortable multitasking | Comfortable doing one task at a time |
| If distracted, easily returns to the task | If distracted, finds it difficult to return to the task |
| Vivid imagination | Difficulty imagining, or imagination limited to one area |
| Branching thought | Sequential, linear thinking |
| Perfectionism, sometimes excessive | No perfectionism, except in areas of intense interest |
| Introverted or extroverted | Needs long periods alone |
| Needs change and novelty | Finds change difficult |
| May have experienced bullying | May have experienced bullying |
Can someone have both HIP and autism?
Yes. For some people, identifying giftedness alone explains part of their functioning, while their relationships, need for solitude, sensory characteristics or need for stability remain unexplained. Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder as well can then offer a fuller understanding.
Video in French. The article below is available in English.
High Emotional Potential and ASD: how can we understand the difference?
Descriptions of HEP often emphasise great subtlety in perceiving and understanding emotions and relationships. In ASD, certain aspects of social communication can function differently, without implying an absence of emotions or empathy. Examining overall functioning is therefore much more useful than a simple contrast between “empathetic” and “unempathetic”.
Video in French. The article below is available in English.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone have HIP and autism at the same time?
Yes. These two dimensions are not mutually exclusive and can coexist in the same person.
Is the term Asperger still used?
It remains widely used in everyday language and by some people to describe themselves, although current diagnostic classifications include it within Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Is a table of characteristics enough to distinguish them?
No. There are many similarities, and individual profiles vary greatly. A comprehensive assessment is needed when diagnostic clarification is sought.
Do you recognise several characteristics of both profiles in yourself?
Screening can be a first step towards finding out which possibility deserves further exploration, rather than drawing conclusions from a few similarities alone.
