'A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system.
The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely.'
Perhaps the most colorful and beautiful link in Merritt's diagnosis 'chain' is her Autism diagnosis. Honestly, as ridiculous as it sounds to us now, we were terrified of to receive this diagnosis. With how widespread and deep the definitions are associated with an Autism diagnosis, the beauty and personality of this diagnosis is often overshadowed by our societal definitions and expectations.
Merritt's diagnosis has been the key to doors that we never knew we needed to walk through and has provided her with so many tools and relationships that have enriched her beyond measure.