Daniel's change in behavior reminds me of an account I was told of a young girl who had been blinded by an accident that damaged the corneas of her eyes. She was blind from the age of 4 until, at the age of 10, she received cornea transplants and regained her sight.
She had lived and adapted for 6 years as a blind person. She was comfortable and able to cope with the condition. When she suddenly could see again, she responded by marveling at all the visual stimulation, but she often was seen closing her eyes when she moved around in a familiar room. The stimulation she was receiving from the renewed sight was apparently overwhelming and she needed to shut it off sometimes. She also seemed to withdraw within herself at times and became much less animated.
Perhaps Daniel's actions are a behavioral response akin to that of the girl? Maybe he is struggling to incorporate the newly found talent into his sense of self. All the while also struggling to keep a sense of individual self - the stuggle brought on by the equally sudden appearance of the ET's speeking to him.
So many changes so close together is enough to make the most gregarious of people pause to consider what is happening to them. It would do that to me, wouldn't it to you too?
Koala, Captain, Team Andrew