YMMV / Doona

• Diagnosed by the Audience: Todd's boisterous, unrestrained behavior might have been considered typical fare for a 6-year old back when the book was written (1969), especially compared to the other children of the Doona colony who have learned to act meek and polite as is required of them on the overcrowded Earth. But taking into account the context of his actions, and viewing his behavior with a critical modern eye, they seem more indicative of an ambiguous social disorder. As evidence:
  • Todd's peers, and even his own sister, have no issues following the regimented behavioral guidelines that control citizens on the overcrowded Earth. Todd's outbursts are depicted as uncontrollable and undesirable, despite his family's attempt to use "tranquilizers, sleep training, everything" to get him to quiet down. Todd is also unconcerned or unable to comprehend that his family is punished for his outbursts, despite numerous visits from their sector's "behavioral proctor" and the extreme rationing they face whenever a complaint is made about Todd.
  • Todd repeatedly demonstrates issues with authority and following rules.
  • Todd displays a distinct lack of empathy for his human peers. When Marie McKee is painfully poisoned by a rroamal vine, his only reaction is to roll his eyes and tell the adults that he warned her not to touch it, expressing annoyance at Marie's screams of pain. While he does go to the Hrruban village to retrieve Mrrva (who has medical knowledge that can help Marie), his initial response to her pain is telling.
  • Much of Ken's inner monologue concerning Todd in the early part of the book revolves around his displeasure with his son's behavior: his shame over Todd's oddness, his anger at Todd's inability to follow orders, and his willingness to berate and physically punish Todd for social transgressions. Even in situations where Todd's actions were not the cause of harm, Ken notes with annoyance that his son always ends up looking guilty.
  • Todd's behavior only starts to improve once he becomes interested in the Hrrubans. His quick study of their language, customs, and behavior seems like a classic case of hyperfocus and hyperfixation. Ken learns that he can control Todd if he threatens to keep Todd from interacting with the Hrrubans, either by forbidding him from playing with his friend Hrriss or threatening to remove Todd from Doona altogether.

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