Even to those who have been studying it for years, autism remains a puzzle.

One in every 110 children in America is living with the condition, which affects 13 million families and is growing.

Autism affects each child differently. One mom hopes a new treatment will help her daughter live a little more independently and get some sleep.

In many ways, Devyn Pereira is a typical 3-year-old. She loves playing with her big sister and has a lot of energy.

"We call her the ping pong ball because she's just all over the place," said Devyn's mother, Heather Pereira.

Devyn is anything but typical.

"The best way she can tell us what she wants is to pull us to where it is and show it to us," Heather said.

Heather knew right away something wasn't quite right. As a psychologist herself, Heather works with kids with developmental disabilities. After months of watching Devyn's motor skills fall behind, doctors confirmed what Heather suspected.

"At 17 months, she was diagnosed with autism. Then, she started having seizures."

Devyn was also diagnosed with epilepsy.She needs a cabinet full of medications to control her symptoms.

The seizures have become so frequent and severe that Heather can't let her guard down.

"And now, even when she's sleeping I'm on high alert," Heather said.

Instead of a new medication, a doctor wrote Devyn a prescription for a medical alert dog. Because of Devyn's unique symptoms, Heather had to find a dog trained to detect seizures and assist kids with autism.

Wilderwood Service Dogs out of Tennessee agreed to provide the dog and even come to Devyn to help train the dog in her environment. There was just one problem: cost.

"When she told me $16,000 I was like, 'Okay, well how much do I pay,' she said, 'The whole thing.'"

Already living with her parents and unable to work a regular schedule, Heather and some of her friends started a web site and a fundraising campaign.

"Really, the dog won't be trained until December and we need the money by the end of the summer," Heather said.

Just like a loyal pet, this dog would never leave her owner's side. Heather hopes it gives Devyn something she has never known: independence.

"The dog will sleep with her and maybe she'll be able to be back in her own bedroom, which is an amazing kind of thing," Heather expressed.

There are three upcoming fundraising events to help Heather raise the $16,000 needed to pay for the medical alert therapy dog. The first fundraiser is Saturday, April 24 at Churchville-Chili High School.

In the meantime, Devyn's case remains a bit of a puzzle. Her mom will take her to a Cleveland clinic next week to see a specialist and hopefully get a better explanation of what is causing her symptoms.

Dog for Devyn