WINFIELD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- There's no doubt adoption isn't always easy. Not every child who needs a home is a cute, cuddly, healthy newborn.

Some are a little older and some have special needs. Our featured child this week doesn't talk. He has autism and suffered severe burns from his waist down that have produced their own challenges. But, without ever saying a word, this 7-year-old named Tony will reach right in and grab your heart.

WSAZ.com's Carrie Cline learned about Tony through his foster dad of two years. Following is their discussion:

Carrie: What's special about Tony?

Foster dad: Well, you just have to look at what he's been dealt in his short life, but in the last seven months, he's been improving. He's got closer. We got close to him. When we first got him, he wouldn't let you touch him. Now, he’ll let you hug and kiss him. That’s a big deal. A few months ago, he’d pinch or bite ya.

Carrie: What does taking care of Tony entail?

Foster dad: Well, taking a bath takes two people because he scratches his wounds. Changing his diaper takes two people, changing his garments takes two people and you have to change them three times a day and put lotion on his legs. The burns are third degree from the waist down. He's into everything and everything goes to his mouth. He loves to eat.

He's a doll baby. He needs a permanent family. He's going to get bigger and needs someone who can take good care of him. He needs love and patience, that's the two main ingredients -- love and patience.

Carrie: What's the best thing about Tony?

Foster dad: His smile. He shows love. He makes you laugh.

Just because Tony can't talk doesn't mean he's quiet. He's full of fun and energy. He does have some developmental and mental delays as a part of the Autism. But, as his foster dad said, he's already come leaps and bounds in the last year, and it's the hope that a stable forever family can further that progress.

If you'd like to learn more about Tony or think you have the special skill set he requires to provide a loving, thriving forever home, you can call Mission West Virginia at 1-866-CALL-MWV. You can also check out our ‘Carrie’s Kids’ page here on WSAZ.com