Mystery condition gives way to bright future for 10-year-old

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 1051 GMT (1851 HKT) December 18, 2017

Avery Reilly, 10, bottom left, can't walk or talk because of a rare condition. But her family has helped her lead a fulfilling life. Every year, the Reilly family -- from left, Trinity, Avery, Helena, Brennan, Emory and Presley -- vacations near Cement Creek, Colorado. Avery loves to throw rocks in the water.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery Reilly, 10, bottom left, can't walk or talk because of a rare condition. But her family has helped her lead a fulfilling life. Every year, the Reilly family -- from left, Trinity, Avery, Helena, Brennan, Emory and Presley -- vacations near Cement Creek, Colorado. Avery loves to throw rocks in the water.
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Avery has attended the Arbor School in Houston since she was 2½ years old. The year-round school provides targeted programs for children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 12.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery has attended the Arbor School in Houston since she was 2½ years old. The year-round school provides targeted programs for children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 12.
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Avery's parents said she absolutely loves dogs and isn't shy about approaching strangers and motioning at their pets. It's her way of asking whether she can pet them.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery's parents said she absolutely loves dogs and isn't shy about approaching strangers and motioning at their pets. It's her way of asking whether she can pet them.
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Accessible playgrounds make playtime a little easier for Avery.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Accessible playgrounds make playtime a little easier for Avery.
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Avery attended an Easter Seals Greater Houston event dressed as Wonder Woman. Easter Seals is a nonprofit that provides services for children and adults with autism, special needs, and developmental and physical disabilities.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery attended an Easter Seals Greater Houston event dressed as Wonder Woman. Easter Seals is a nonprofit that provides services for children and adults with autism, special needs, and developmental and physical disabilities.
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Avery can't read, but she's active and engages with every environment she encounters, like this day at the Houston Zoo.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery can't read, but she's active and engages with every environment she encounters, like this day at the Houston Zoo.
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Avery is fascinated by dogs and babies, and very gentle with them. Her family calls her a "sweetheart."
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery is fascinated by dogs and babies, and very gentle with them. Her family calls her a "sweetheart."
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Avery's family helps her continue the lessons from her different therapies at home, including speech and physical therapy. But they also surround her with love. This photo was taken at Rice University, near the Reillys' house. From left are Presley, Helena, Emory, Avery, Brennan and Trinity.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery's family helps her continue the lessons from her different therapies at home, including speech and physical therapy. But they also surround her with love. This photo was taken at Rice University, near the Reillys' house. From left are Presley, Helena, Emory, Avery, Brennan and Trinity.
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Avery and her sister Presley took a first-day-of-school photo in August 2016. Presley helped Avery stand up by leaning her against the wall. "Avery loves school and was so excited to be heading back to school after her August break," her father said.
Photos: Years without a diagnosis
Avery and her sister Presley took a first-day-of-school photo in August 2016. Presley helped Avery stand up by leaning her against the wall. "Avery loves school and was so excited to be