Atypical

Cruel yearbook comments show Sam who's got his back, a favor he repays at graduation. Feelings for Izzie confuse Casey. Elsa asks Doug a key question.

because she's the one who has to give a speech, not me.

I mean, I know it's just a tiny thing, but I love working with the kids.

But it is a little cold on my thighs.

I'm sure it took practice.

Well, not to pile on the bad news, but...

Wait... You made out on my bench?

- It's not pretty. - You'd be surprised.

Are you really eating brownies for dinner?

I accept that. Your game is def going to suffer.

Of course, there's a big part of being an explorer

Well, I'm not supposed to tell, but since you found out on your own, yes.

Even if you really, really, really, really don't want to.

Sam never showed up for work. Sam has never skipped work before.

I think I know where he is.

I made a list.

I hope he finds something he loves to do."

- Well, you should. - Yeah?

I've tried everything to get you to forgive me.

Come on! 47 minutes till graduation. You heard it from the horse's mouth.

he's most famous for turning back.

And now it is time to here from this year's valedictorian,

- What? - I can't do it.

No, you know what? You! All of you should be ashamed to call yourselves Owls!

I think he's going up on the stage.

We did it. It's been a long road.

That doesn't make any sense.

Not when I graduate at the top of my class at Bowdoin,

Thank you all for being a part of my epic journey.

- He did that so well. - So good.

and how when I kissed Bailey Bennett, it was nice.

I'm trying...

I just haven't...

So guess what?

Ignoring Casey's wishes, Elsa throws her a big birthday party, while Sam insists on following a decade-old birthday ritual. The bartender haunts Doug.

and just chill, low-key.

But I'm the majority shareholder, so I have naming rights.

Yeah, we do. It's part of the birthday ritual.

Is this a casual relationship

I think that Casey said that she wanted, like, something small.

Wait, what's up with you? You seem different.

Say no more, brother.

Hey, dude, what are you doing here?

Hey, Casey, happy birthday again.

Not many people know this, but Edison isn't my first tortoise.

He was active and alert. His eyes were clear and bright.

Look, I know, like, honestly,

- Can you believe it? - I can't believe it.

I know my Sammy's kissing somebody. Who else could it be, but you?

Sixteen minutes is up.

Adelie, Chinstrap, Emperor...

Ickle Bickle Beanstalk.

I said, "That is one hot mama."

I thought it would be a good way to mend fences.

There's no sides, she was doing something really nice.

just like everything else in my sorry-ass life.

but I was only trying to complete the ritual, which is all about her.

I don't want to talk about it.

And then you and I got into that big fight and we stopped talking.

In nature, there are a lot of rituals that no one ever questions.

What, you too?

I'm sorry I didn't finish playing.

Sam loses his portfolio for his art school application and panics. Megan gets flirty with Doug, who makes a decision about Elsa. Julia calls Miles.

An alumna painted that. Actually, someone I went to school with.

Mr. Kawahara says you're failing.

Kawahara says that you'll be fine if you ace the midterm.

Thank you, Sabrina, for singing your answer to "How was your day?"

a large number of artists die penniless and alone,

Who else had an accomplishment this week?

- So are we. - Elsa has a stack like this at home.

Yeah. Anyways, that website is for a group that does similar training,

You know, on the same team.

And I feel like we...

Yeah, this was great. Thank you.

EVAN TUBA HEY WASSUP?

What I always wear when I'm not wearing this.

and then make their decision based on that.

Double the clean clothes, double the fresh looks.

starting with Techtropolis.

So many people are wrapped up in their own stuff, they don't get involved.

Thank you.

I bet somebody found it while they were blowing off steam and they stole it.

then I wouldn't have needed to blow off steam in the first place.

Okay, you know I'm your ride, right?

Let's get in the truck, retrace your steps.

I'm Megan. And this is Amber.

Anyway, we have something... for you.

After Sam told the peer group about all the challenges of art school,

But you don't even have a portfolio.

- Cool, cool. I'm in Africa. - What?

Well, it gives parents with younger children hope

I know you know this, but it's normal to be nervous around transitions.

very close to home and it has a scientific illustration program.

One thing I've learned in this job, sometimes you find the perfect school...

and asked me if I would cut her son's hair.

- What else? You have other choices? - How about "Hair... Spec-trim"?

Casey tells Izzie what Nate did. Sam tries to figure out which colleges to apply to. Doug discovers a need to educate first responders about autism.

7,999 more sales and you'll have your water garden.

and every other important person that I could think of, including Oprah.

You'll do it better than I can.

- It's not anything. - Give it.

Our homework this week was to make a list of all our strengths.

We've talked a lot about asking for help and knowing when you need extra support,

If you're wondering who took the cookies, I saw Noelle dump, like, ten in her bag.

and meet me in my office, maybe day after tomorrow, and we'll go over them?

We could use a new center ever since Gomez got the gout.

His name is Sam. He's 18.

There's other ways to deal with this besides confronting him

you would have found out who his parents are,

So next time we'll know, alright? Next time, we'll remember who he is,

That was supposed to help me decide, but it's worthless.

Even though you're so skinny, you're an excellent source of body heat.

Yeah, girls are weird.

which is a very... sexy-shaped hole.

I was really bummed that we only raised $45 at the bake sale.

in a totally platonic way, of course.

I flicked a freshman in the ear, I thought it was you.

Oh, hi. Casey's not going to be home for another 45 minutes.

You should probably get that out and then you can get started. Tea?

Maybe you should try something more low-impact like walking slowly...

Well, I'm calling because...

There isn't enough training for first responders

but this looks really nice.

You just seem like, you know... parents. You know?

Totally normal thing to say when you walk into a room.

you have to start making decisions for yourself.

Wow, dude...

Thank you. These are not good.

You skipped out on our appointment. What were you doing in the art room?

Why didn't you list art as one of your strengths?

- Wait, we? - Yeah.

To prepare for college life, Sam sleeps over at Zahid's. Sam's $700 loss reunites Doug and Elsa with Arlo's parents, former friends of theirs.

- Okay, good. - But I do have a favor to ask.

so I don't end up... wandering off somewhere.

But you're going to go to college at some point

- Why are you changing your shoes? - These are my poop shoes.

I mean, I'm fine sleeping on the couch.

Elsa, I'm a grown man. I don't need a night light.

you haven't been close to Holly in what, ten years?

and I was like, "Dude, leave!"

I need Edison.

- Your name is Izzie? - Yeah.

They took my idea of a family camping trip,

Well, you were pretty on board at the time.

But, we live together, so technically we're...

I mean, he certainly has potential, but he has never been really focused.

- I wish Zahid had gone to college. - Okay, enough about that.

- Why don't... Come in, sit down. - Yes.

We spoiled him, that's what it is.

- would settle lightly over his wrist..." - Okay, stop.

- Newton? - Yeah.

Feel the bromance.

So does Sam play sports or...?

Hey.

He's going to ruin the girl time.

- What are you doing? - Come on, there's something between us.

my grandma got sick and we spent a lot of time in the hospital.

Anyway, one day, Mr. Jeffries got annoyed at me for...

and every time I thought about applying to nursing school, I'd just...

- It really does. - Good.

So, what are you saying? Hanging out with Sam is like a punishment?

I'm sorry.

Loud and clear. Let's go, Sam.

That fireplace was pretty nice.

In peer group, Sam realizes he needs to manage his own money. Doug gets advice from Megan on dealing with Elsa. Evan meets Casey's new friends.

just for a while.

There you are. I need you.

Well, we thought my dad had a heart attack.

I'd probably fly headfirst into an iceberg.

or underemployment rate for young adults with autism is close to 90%.

and then I take that home, and I give it to my mom,

Oh, and good day to you, Mr. Rockefeller.

You can avoid all those beeping ATMs because I always give you cash to spend.

than most eighteen-year-olds, more than most of the adults I know.

I'm still starving.

Friday after practice. I'll tell the team.

The lobby's nice.

You should try it next time you think you're dying.

Did you know it actually costs 1.5 cents to produce a penny?

This is way better than the Bank of Elsa.

It didn't seem corrupt. They have panda checks.

Well, how much cryptocurrency can I buy for $7,000?

How do I stretch out my hamstrings?

Izzie has the whole team excited to go to Don's this Friday.

Just like I'm sure that you're curious about the people that I go to school with.

Saw them, paid them. Bank of Elsa.

That's impossible. In 1909 he was the most famous man on the planet.

- You know, pop-up ads. - Totally. You know what?

God only knows what will be left on the sign-up sheet.

- I'm so sorry. - Oh, come on. I get it.

- Well, could you send her to my house? - I could send her to your house.

I'm sad they're not closer with him.

Put those back, please.

Hey, what's with the "Newton"?

No. No, I was wicked mean to her.

But he's really smart.

Look, the egg is pipping, the egg is pipping.

My parents were going to be out of town.

Other than Don not wanting to split the bill six ways, that went pretty well.

that even I don't know about, and then I just watch some rich douche

I don't want to get to know your friends.

There's leftovers in the kitchen if you're hungry.

I never listened. I just jumped right in, head first.

Zahid teaches Sam to lie, while Elsa practices being honest. Evan helps Casey get over an embarrassment. A doctor visit forces Julia out of denial.

I need to learn how to lie, and you're the biggest liar I know.

it is never okay to lie.

I'm sorry, but I will never be able to look you in the eyes again.

You okay? You seem tired.

That's the heartbeat.

and I was mean to a patient, which means I suck at my job,

Name's Zahid. Starts with a Z, ends with a beautiful friendship?

Lucky for you, I have developed a foolproof lying strategy.

But, I like to vary my tones.

Okay. Well... if I let you go you understand,

That's easy. Start by lying to your ex, because, so what? Can't dump you again.

Really?

I mean, finger loss is an abnormal result of lying.

Oh, hey, Bob, looking lean, sexy, sinewy.

you're out of here.

Because if you do I know a lot of mamas that would be interested.

It's just...

- Yeah. Good to see you. - You too.

That's strike three. It's time to drop the hammer.

So, just not on Techtropolis property, okay?

That's how you know you're doing it right. I could hug you, you magnificent bastard.

Okay, you're letting this go on a little bit longer than I expected.

A lot of them, like, a couple years'... worth.

I'm bad at a lot of stuff.

Okay, well, they can have it two nights in a row, right?

It feels good, it feels like I'm finally getting back to my authentic self.

with all your... lying...

You heard me.

My friend, Zahid.

when I went to get your credit card?

A peer group meeting leads Sam to an important decision. Detention with Izzie shows Casey they have more in common than she thought.

Um, so, Ms. Whitaker, thank you so much for meeting with us.

and speaking of, I noticed that he hasn't applied to any colleges.

I facilitate a district-wide peer group for students on the spectrum,

I made an appointment for Sam with Dr. Brob.

Sam, honey, I know we haven't talked much

When you're autistic, it's called elopement.

The worst elopement story I ever heard was the one that the hostess

Okay, everyone.

There are only four, actually.

Okay. This isn't about... winners and losers.

You don't have to love each other, but you have to love each other.

My brother has autism, so I'm, like...

Last year Penelope drove her car

Hey, what do you like more, Sam, grilled cheese or pizza?

No, I don't.

out of his house and go on a hundred-mile run.

I used to want to get as far away from this place as possible, but now...

You have very pretty hair.

To be honest, I think half the reason why I spend so much time with Nate

I find unnecessary eating makes the wait go faster.

She should come for a ride-along sometime.

I do.

And on top of all of that, I'm graduating into The Abyss.

Okay, so change is inevitable, right? But how do we deal with it?

But I was wondering if sometimes we could walk down the hall together still,

I told you to go... I told everybody to land at Dusty Depot.

No. Are you drunk?

I'm trying to be the good guy here.

- Really? - Wow.

if this is something you want to do,

Like how parents try to protect you, or...

Casey feels less than welcome at Clayton. Sam asks Paige to spell out the rules of their "casual relationship," while Doug sets boundaries with Elsa.

They should put you in the orientation video.

Okay, thank you. That's super helpful.

You look like Roald Amundsen, dressed for an expedition.

Well, my cousin Coco was home from Skidmore for the holidays,

- Exactly. - Anyway, as I was saying...

Really? That's your bell?

Yes, they do feel scrambled.

Good. I was hoping for this. I brought my notebook.

How do you keep it from burning down your house?

But for real, how baller would it be to have a dragon?

Actually, this super helpful girl showed me around, so...

- I'm quitting. - No...

Which, at first I thought was soothing, but then it gets really creepy.

She's awful.

Hey, don't worry about school. You got this.

Oh! And our weekends are our own.

But that looks really cute. Send me the link.

Convenience points only, but there is a vending machine around the corner.

- How did you know? - Because that's my locker.

Listen, Elsa, you can't just come by the house whenever you want.

Why? So you can hide the body?

I'll be fine.

Rings go on and then they go off. It could just be temporary, honey.

- No. - Wait, what?

- Can I eat now? - You sure can.

You can have my granola bar and nuts.

Should you really be saying that about your girlfriend?

And you get to buzz around other flowers like the horny little bumblebee you are.

two in my back pocket, several in my front pocket and one... in your ear.

- I feel really rejected. - Rule number three:

- But Julia says that's okay sometimes. - When did she say that?

Okay, Sam, I'm really sorry and I'm here if you want to talk,

But I guess I'm not.

Sam's frustration at being unable to find a therapist and Casey's anxiety about going to a new school spark a blowup between the two.

Wow, that's a heck of a fun fact, champ.

- Why are you calling Mom "Elsa"? - Your Clayton uniform came today.

- Do we call him Doug? - No. We're still Mom and Dad.

I know she hurt my feelings with what she said, but I feel better now.

Sam, my Mee-Maw is right there.

Look, Sam, I'm... I'm sorry that you're feeling jumpy.

It's family rap night, and the Hip-Hop Hardaways are performing Hamilton.

I just have no idea how I've messed everything up so badly.

I wish I could help. The only reason that we could get in is...

No. Look.

It's always in the top right hole, you know that's where it goes,

that it is crucial to continue to bust balls in a time of crisis.

You look... cozy.

I'll only make that mistake once.

Gotta keep looking. Can't be that hard to find a good therapist, right?

Why is Dad building a porch in the winter?

Anything you can do.

Who wouldn't want my ratty old shorts, right?

See, I found with teenage girls, you have to ask things three times.

and the validation your success brought to me as a coach.

I'd prefer if you lay off both for a while, Elsa.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Casey, toothbrush again?

In the waiting... area.

For fighting with Casey? That makes no sense.

I know.

Are you okay? How was work?

- Honey, talk to me. - No.

Do you want me to tell you how much you disgust me?