An academic investigation: Is Sheldon Cooper portrayed as an autistic character?

Do you notice how he contributes, in his own unique way, to extraordinary advances in the world of science? And not only that, it is undeniable how, in his very own way, he is incredibly captivating, a “skill” many would doubt simply by hearing about Sheldon without truly knowing him. The abilities he demonstrates are ones I personally could never come close to. Far from seeming like a limitation, whatever the character’s condition may be, it appears much more like something that enhances his potential, his abilities, and even what, in many respects, could be considered unreachable.

Here we present an intriguing simulation of applying the AQ to the brilliant Sheldon Cooper, a fascinating character for Psychology students. Through fiction, we have the privilege of observing how he “responds” to the entire test through the rich episodes of The Big Bang Theory. It is impossible not to recognize the value of this remarkable performance, which contributes so much to the understanding of complex traits and behaviors.

It is important to emphasize: this is a fictional representation. It is not a label, a diagnosis, a problem, or a determination. Above all, it is a valuable contribution that the character offers to the study of Psychology in any university in the world.

Application of the AQ Test (Fictional Simulation for Educational Purposes)

The Autism Spectrum Quotient instrument for Adults (AQ) evaluates different aspects of an individual's behavior and reactions through a wide range of questions. Based on the responses attributed to the fictional character Sheldon Cooper from the series The Big Bang Theory, it is possible to analyze traits related to the autism spectrum and calculate his score on the AQ. Below, we present the fifty proposed questions, together with Sheldon’s answers and justifications based on his behavior in the series.

Questions and Answers

• I prefer doing things with other people rather than alone.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon prefers solitary activities such as working on his scientific projects and often avoids unnecessary social interactions.

• I prefer to do things the same way every time.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon is obsessed with routines, such as eating specific foods on specific days and maintaining his designated spot on the couch.

• When I try to imagine something, I find it very easy to create a mental picture.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: His highly analytical and scientific mind suggests a strong ability for mental visualization, as seen when he solves theoretical problems.

• I get so absorbed in one thing that I lose sight of everything else.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon frequently becomes immersed in his projects or interests, ignoring what is around him.

• I often notice small sounds that other people do not.

Answer: b) Slightly agree

Justification: Although Sheldon is attentive to details, there are not many scenes showing him noticing specific sounds, but his observant nature suggests that this may occasionally happen.

• I usually notice the numbers on car license plates or similar sequences.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon is fascinated by patterns and numbers, as seen in his memorization of scientific data or sequences.

• Other people often tell me that what I said was rude, even though I think I was being polite.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon frequently offends others without realizing it, believing he is being logical or polite.

• When I read a story, I can easily imagine what the characters look like.

Answer: b) Slightly agree

Justification: Although Sheldon has a visual mind, he is not particularly inclined to fiction, which may limit this skill.

• I am fascinated by dates.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon easily memorizes historical and scientific dates and shows interest in them.

• I find it easy to follow several conversations at the same time when in a group.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon struggles in social situations and often gets lost in group conversations.

• I find it easy to understand social situations.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He is well known for not understanding social nuances such as sarcasm or emotions.

• I tend to notice details that others do not.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: His attention to detail is a defining trait, such as noticing small inconsistencies.

• I prefer going to a library rather than to a party.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon prefers intellectual and quiet environments like libraries over social events.

• I find it easy to invent stories.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon shows neither interest nor skill in creating fictional narratives, preferring facts.

• I am more drawn to people than to objects.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon is more attached to objects and ideas such as his research than to interpersonal relationships.

• I tend to have very strong interests and get upset when I cannot pursue them.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: His interests, such as theoretical physics and comic books, are intense, and interruptions frustrate him.

• I enjoy chatting.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon avoids casual conversations and prefers specific intellectual discussions.

• When I am talking, other people find it difficult to get a word in.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon often monopolizes conversations with long and detailed monologues.

• Numbers fascinate me.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: As a theoretical physicist, numbers and equations are central to his life.

• When I read a story, I have difficulty understanding the characters intentions.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon struggles to understand emotional intentions even within narratives.

• I do not enjoy reading fiction.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: He prefers scientific texts or comic books to novels or traditional fiction.

• I find it difficult to make new friends.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: He struggles to form social connections and has few close friends.

• I constantly see patterns in the world around me.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: His analytical mind is always identifying patterns and structures.

• I prefer going to the theater rather than to a museum.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon prefers museums, especially scientific ones, over artistic events such as theater.

• I do not get upset when my daily routine is disrupted.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Changes in routine, such as altering mealtime schedules, disturb him deeply.

• I often feel that I do not know how to keep a conversation going.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon frequently does not know how to manage normal social conversations.

• I find it easy to read between the lines when someone is talking to me.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He does not understand subtext or implicit intentions.

• I usually focus more on the whole picture than on the details.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon is obsessed with details rather than the bigger picture.

• I am not very good at remembering phone numbers.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: His eidetic memory suggests that he easily remembers numbers.

• I usually do not notice small changes in a situation or in a person’s appearance.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon notices small changes in environments or objects.

• I can tell when the person I am talking to becomes bored.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He does not perceive social cues such as boredom.

• I can easily do more than one thing at the same time.

Answer: b) Slightly agree

Justification: Although his mind is brilliant, he prefers focusing intensely on one task.

• When I speak on the phone, I am not sure when it is my turn to talk.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon has difficulty understanding pauses and conversational turns.

• I enjoy doing things spontaneously.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He dislikes spontaneity and prefers rigid planning.

• I am often the last person to understand a joke.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon often does not understand humor, especially sarcasm.

• I find it easy to understand what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He cannot easily read facial expressions or emotions.

• If I am interrupted, I can quickly return to what I was doing.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Interruptions irritate him and disrupt his focus.

• I am good at making small talk.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon is not skilled in casual conversation.

• Other people often tell me that I keep going on and on about the same things.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: He repeats ideas and interests obsessively.

• When I was a child, I enjoyed playing pretend with other children.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon likely preferred intellectual activities over imaginative play.

• I like collecting information about categories of things such as types of cars, birds, trains, or plants.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: His interest in comic books and scientific facts reflects this tendency.

• I find it difficult to imagine myself in someone else’s position.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Sheldon has little emotional empathy and struggles to put himself in others shoes.

• I enjoy carefully planning all the activities I take part in.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: He plans everything meticulously, such as schedules and agreements.

• I enjoy social events.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon avoids social events whenever possible.

• I have difficulty understanding other peoples intentions.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: He frequently does not grasp the motivations of others.

• New situations make me anxious.

Answer: a) Strongly agree

Justification: Changes and novelty make him uncomfortable.

• I enjoy meeting new people.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon does not seek new social connections.

• I have a conciliatory attitude in social interactions.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: He is often rigid and not conciliatory.

• I find it difficult to remember other people’s birthdays.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: His exceptional memory suggests that he remembers important dates.

• I find it very easy to play pretend with children.

Answer: d) Strongly disagree

Justification: Sheldon does not show skill or interest in imaginative play.

Score

Sheldon receives one point on forty three out of fifty questions, resulting in a total score of 43 out of 50.

Interpretation

A score of 32 or above indicates a high probability of autism spectrum traits. Sheldon’s score of 43 is significantly above this threshold.

Observed Characteristics

Social difficulties

Sheldon exhibits major difficulties in understanding social situations (Q11, Q27, Q36), interpreting intentions (Q20, Q45), maintaining conversations (Q26, Q33), and forming friendships (Q22). He also avoids social events (Q44, Q47) and is not conciliatory (Q48).

Preference for routines and resistance to change

He prefers rigid routines (Q2, Q25, Q43) and becomes anxious in new situations (Q46).

Attention to details and fascination with patterns

Sheldon notices details others ignore (Q12, Q23, Q30) and is fascinated by numbers, dates, and sequences (Q6, Q9, Q19, Q41).

Intense and restricted interests

He has deep interests (Q16, Q39) such as theoretical physics and comic books, and becomes fully absorbed in them to the point of ignoring his surroundings (Q4).

Difficulty with social imagination

Sheldon does not engage in pretend play (Q40, Q50), has difficulty imagining himself in someone else's place (Q42), and prefers facts over fiction (Q21).

Conclusion of the Analysis

Sheldon scored 43 out of 50 on the AQ, well above the threshold of 32, which indicates a high probability of traits associated with the autism spectrum, and also above 26, which suggests significant traits. The score reflects characteristics consistent with the spectrum observed across various dimensions of the test, including social difficulties, preference for routines, attention to detail, intense interests, and difficulty with social imagination.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), or Quociente do Espectro do Autismo (QA), is a self assessment questionnaire developed by Simon Baron Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Center of the University of Cambridge in 2001. It was designed to measure traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults with average or above average intelligence. Below, I answer your questions about public access to the test and which professionals may administer it, based on available information.

Is the AQ test publicly accessible?

Yes, the AQ test is publicly accessible. The questionnaire was published in 2001 in the academic article by Baron Cohen et al., and it is available on various online platforms, such as psychology websites, clinics, and research centers, often free of charge. For example:

• Websites such as kiai.med.br and matheustriliconeurologia.com.br offer online versions of the test without requiring registration.

• The complete fifty item version of the AQ can also be found in publications such as Temple Grandin’s book The Autistic Brain or on websites like idrlabs.com.

The test is widely accessible for self screening or initial assessment, but the authors emphasize that it is not a diagnostic tool and should be used with caution, preferably with professional guidance.

Although the test is in the public domain and can be completed by anyone, the accurate interpretation of its results should be carried out by qualified professionals, since the score alone (generally thirty two or higher, indicating significant ASD traits) does not confirm a diagnosis.

Which professionals can administer the AQ test?

The AQ is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnostic instrument, and its administration and interpretation are recommended for professionals trained in mental health or neurodevelopment. Professionals qualified to administer and interpret the test include:

Psychiatrists

Physicians specializing in mental health may use the AQ as part of a broader clinical evaluation to investigate ASD traits. They are qualified to make formal diagnoses based on DSM 5 or ICD 11 criteria.

Psychologists and Neuropsychologists

Psychologists trained in neuropsychological assessment or specialized in ASD can administer the AQ and integrate it with other tools, such as clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests, and scales such as the ADOS 2 or the ADI R.

Neurologists

Neurologists, especially those focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, may use the AQ as an initial screening tool to guide more detailed evaluations.

Speech and Language Pathologists

In some contexts, speech and language pathologists specializing in ASD may administer the AQ to assess communicative and pragmatic aspects, especially in children, although the AQ is primarily designed for adults.

Multidisciplinary teams

ASD diagnoses are often made by teams that include psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, speech and language pathologists, and other professionals. The AQ is used as a complementary tool alongside other assessments.

Important considerations

Not a diagnostic test

Although the AQ is publicly accessible, the authors warn that it does not replace a full clinical evaluation. A high score (thirty two or higher) suggests the presence of autistic traits, but a formal diagnosis requires evaluation by professionals experienced in ASD, considering clinical history, behavioral observation, and standardized instruments.

Lack of standardization in Brazil

In Brazil, the AQ does not yet have an officially standardized or validated version for the local population, which requires caution when interpreting results. Studies are underway to adapt the scale to the Brazilian context.

Use in screening

The AQ is most commonly used as a screening tool to identify individuals who may benefit from a more in depth assessment. Professionals should combine AQ results with other tools such as clinical interviews, direct observation, and tests such as the ADOS 2, ADI R, or the M CHAT for children.

Limitations

The AQ depends on self report, which may be influenced by the person’s self awareness or subjective interpretation of the questions. In addition, it does not assess the intensity or functional impact of traits on daily life, which reinforces the need for a professional to contextualize the results.

Summary

The AQ test is publicly accessible and can be found on various online platforms. It is widely used for screening traits associated with ASD in adults. However, its administration and interpretation should be carried out by qualified professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists or neuropsychologists, neurologists, or specialized speech and language pathologists, ideally in a multidisciplinary context. For an accurate diagnosis, a complete clinical evaluation by ASD specialists is essential, especially due to the complexity of the condition and the lack of standardization of the AQ in Brazil. If you or someone you know is considering taking the test, it is advisable to discuss the results with a professional for an appropriate evaluation.

Post reading recommendation: listen to “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode

After exploring Sheldon Cooper’s characteristics and responses on the AQ test, we suggest listening to the song “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode. The track, with its introspective atmosphere and lyrics that evoke an appreciation for silence and contemplation, resonates with Sheldon’s preference for moments of focus and tranquility, away from the complexities of social interactions.

...Enjoy The Silence