Valerie is a non-verbal autistic girl who entered foster care two years ago. She was placed in a children’s group home located two hours away from anyone she had ever known. Although her autism inhibits her ability to communicate, it does not prevent her from understanding the world around her. Despite being non-verbal, Valerie is able to comprehend and follow instructions in the home. She first demonstrated her understanding when asked about her stuffed animals; when asked if she loved them, she hugged them and pretended that they hugged her back. With no other means of communication, these gestures were all she had.