"Raising Boys" IS a great reference, I agree Lulu2.

My nephew sounds very similar regarding vagueness but unfortunately he's having problems getting along with his peers because of this. Also the son of our friends has a little boy who is extremely vague (rarely makes eye contact and will just repeat his needs until they are met, rarely laughs or is animated) he has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. A trademark of this is high intelligence in at least one field, an inability to engage well with others and extreme vagueness. It is more common with boys. I find it fascinating but can imagine how hard it would be to deal with.