At Joe's birthday party, tensions rise when it's suggested he has communication problems.

Following Joe’s diagnosis, Alison wants to protect her son and takes him out of school without telling Paul. He and Rebecca believe that Joe shouldn’t have to change to fit into the world.

Alison has to deal with a blast from her past after Maggie, a speech and language therapist, shows up to assess Joe.

An impromptu attempt to win Joe some friends leads to a breakthrough moment for Alison, but how long can it last? Maurice and Louise come to blows over Joe, while Rebecca turns to Eddie for relationship advice.

Alison brokers a peace with Paul in time for the gastropub opening, but Joe goes missing.