Valerie, 15 years old

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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.

Valerie struggles to express herself because she is non-verbal, which can be frustrating for her. Fortunately, her speech pathologist found a communication device that has made a big difference. At the beginning of the school year, she received this device for the classroom, allowing her to communicate basic needs like “yes,” “no,” “eat,” and “drink” using pictures. This has helped reduce her anxiety by enabling her to convey what she needs. Having a similar device at home would greatly assist Valerie, allowing her to connect with her loved ones more easily.