Final answer:
Paul may be showing signs of a lack of empathy or emotional disconnect, which can be common for children still developing their social skills, but if persistent, evaluation for disorders such as autism spectrum disorder may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paul may be showing signs of lack of empathy or emotional disconnect. When a person does not offer comfort or acknowledgment when another is clearly distressed, it can be a sign that they are struggling to understand or share the feelings of others. This can be a natural behavior in children and adolescents as they are still developing their social and emotional skills. However, if this behavior is consistent, it might be a cause for concern, and a deeper assessment of their social interactions could be warranted.
Emotional development and empathy are important traits that children learn as they grow. If continuous neglect of emotional cues is observed, professionals might consider evaluating the child for developmental disorders that could affect their social skills, such as autism spectrum disorder(ASD). It is also possible that a lack of empathy could be a sign of other socio-emotional challenges.