She greeted me with a bright smile and a wave of her hand. Cheerful, as always. She is about the same age as my granddaughter-- 10 - 11 years. I greeted her and asked what she was doing. She smiled back at me. But she did not respond verbally, as I expected. About once a month, or less, I will get a one word response and once I had a three word response. When she dos respond verbally, I immediately rush to tell her mother so that we can all celebrate.
You see, she has "angelman syndrome." She is always happy. But, she does not communicate by normal means.
Let us all appreciate what gifts we have.