It's a lifelong disorder with no known cause or cure. Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one in 150 children in North America - and the rates of diagnosis are steadily rising. Despite its prevalence, the disorder has long remained a mystery to all but those afflicted. Part of the reason why medical experts still don't know how to prevent or treat it is because the disorder inhibits a person's ability to communicate or develop social relationships. Now, a 13-year-old girl from Toronto is offering a rare glimpse into the secret world of autism and has become a symbol of hope for parents and families coping with an autistic child. Carly Fleischmann is unable to speak a single syllable. But two years ago, she defied the odds and started typing words with the help of specialized computer software.