Wednesday's Child: 8-Year-Old Maleki

BOSTON (CBS) --  Maleki, 8, is a sweet little boy of African American descent who loves to laugh.

Loving, affectionate and full of smiles, Maleki is thriving in his foster home where he has bonded well and where he is showered with love, patience, understanding and positive attention.

Maleki is diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities and needs a family committed to advocating for him throughout his life.

Maleki attends a public school preschool program where he receives the services he needs to continue to make progress. Although Maleki is not quite talking yet, he does say a few words and is mimicking more and more. For fun, Maleki enjoys playing with his toys, listening to music and playing on the slides at the playground.

Legally free for adoption, Maleki would do well in a family of any constellation, with or without other children.

His social worker believes Maleki would do best in a home with older children, but she would consider any prospective parent with a serious interest in adopting Maleki.

Maleki would like to stay in touch with his foster mother after being placed in a new home. Maleki will bring great joy and love to a family who is able to meet his needs and who has a lot of love to give.

To learn more about Maleki, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.MAREinc.org.

The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have "a permanent place to call HOME."