I was hoping that Billy's autism would be understood just as you described your reaction, he's a perfectly "normal" boy whose brain works differently, and that's how I view autism. Socially awkward and physically awkward, the brain working slightly faster than the body, the mouth saying things immediately regrettable, the ability to see patterns where others don't, and that stubborn unwillingness to change, yet still longing to be like everybody else. "How do I fit in?" seems to be every teenager's deepest desire. As for Paula, you're right. How often has Brett said Billy is just like his mother?