It’s a diagnosis that as many as one in 150 children will receive this year. With few answers about what causes it, and new cases on the rise, many families are looking for answers wherever they can find them.

Unfortunately for them, many non-traditional diets and therapies aren't covered by insurance. Some families will spend whatever it takes to help bring their little ones out of their own worlds, and into ours.

One thing experts agree on is that early intervention is the key to reducing the signs of this disorder.

In addition to speech or occupational therapy, many families choose non-traditional alternatives including vitamin treatments and special diets.

For Nick Mittelsteadt and Troy Esker of Weston, it's making all the difference in the world.

“Troy is who he is; he's that way for a reason and the blessing is there,” says Troy's Mom, Jamie Esker.

“They've just done a wonderful job teaching Nick and drawing him out of his world and into ours," says Nick's Mom, Melissa Mittelsteadt.

Jaxon Graveen's story shows us the possible link between diet and autism. "I do believe that there is a cure and I see it happening everyday in our own house; it's the best feeling in the world," says Jaxon's Mom, Tracey Graveen.

Traci Swink sums up what all of these children with autism have taught us, how special they really are and the importance of having patience. “This is a marathon, it's not a sprint.”

The families we've talked with say these alternative treatments are working for them. But because autism affects each child differently, they don't work for all families.

They encourage other families dealing with autism not to give up hope and to keep searching for the therapies and treatments that are best for their child.