Monday, March 25, 2019

Reasons Why People With Autism Are Awesome

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks


I love starting a new book. It's the excitement of meeting new characters. It's the adventure of following them through their story. You don't know what exactly what will happen. But you're prepared to stay on the ride to find out.









It was the same when I had my son. I was so excited for the adventure. I certainly didn't know what was going to happen. I didn't know that he would be diagnosed with autism. But I know I'd always be there for the ups and downs.






The Girl He Used To Know by New York Times Bestselling Author Tracey Garvis Graves is about Annika (rhymes with Monica) and her relationship with Jonathan. Annika has autism, and sometimes people aren't always kind. But Jonathan is kind. She meets him in college and their story jumps from 1991 until 2001 in the book.

Annika's quirks remind me of my son's quirks. He doesn't always understand social cues. For example, he'll ramble on about a subject he loves--tornadoes--and he won't catch that the people around him are growing bored.

But people with autism are amazing. And here are some of the reasons why.



1. They are honest. Annika tells Jonathan "I find children more enjoyable than adults," whereas my son bluntly has said that he prefers cats over children. If you want to know if you look fat in an outfit, ask someone with autism.



2. They are unique. In the book, Jonathan describes Annika marching "to the beat of an entirely different band." This is also Tommy. While most kids in kindergarten were drawing photos of their families, mine was drawing power lines because they were his latest obsession. He also has a habit of leaving people and not saying goodbye. He'd be out with friends and if he got bored, he'd simply walk away and come home.



3. They are loyal. Since it's hard for them to lie, they try very hard to be loyal. Annika tries to do this with Jonathan--granted, it's not always easy and yes, there are obstacles. But people with autism will most likely never cheat, because they know it's wrong.





4. They take things literally. For example, a teacher once asked Tommy to take a seat so he literally pulled a chair out of the room. If you ask someone with autism what's up, they might reply, "The sky." Never, ever call something sick when you mean something is cool around them. They'll think it means you don't like it because in their minds, being sick is not a pleasant experience, so why on earth would someone call something neat "sick."



5. They are strong. In the book, Annika's roommate Janice gives Annika a book of Elenor Roosevelt quotes and one is "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." This is one of my favorite quotes and one that I remind myself of when I am feeling down. I do the same with Tommy when he is frustrated. Sometimes this world is too loud, too confusing, but I always remind him how fabulous he is. So what if the world doesn't understand him? The people who love him? Always will be there.





There are thousands of reasons why people with autism are awesome. These are just some of them. If you give them a chance, you'll be happy you did, I promise you that.


Will Jonathan keep giving Annika a chance even when she baffles him? Or will Annika not be able to cope in a relationship? Well, you'll have to pick up your own copy of The Girl He Used To Know. It comes out on April 2nd and you can preorder it here.


I will say that I loved this book. I laughed. I may have shed a tear or two. I really loved the characters. I rooted for Annika.






Just as I'll always root for Tommy.



To learn more about The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, you can check out the following:



41 comments:

  1. I loved the book too! I also hosted my first ever book club and I'm happy to announce that it was a huge success. I loved that this book was different from any I've ever read.

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  2. I loved this book too. I love that it gives an insight into autism as well.

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  3. adding this to my book club reads asap- great idea to share about autusm and yes they ARE awesome ha! thanks for this great inspiring post and new book idea!

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  4. A must read! I have a friends whose son is Autistic and he is the sweetest most caring person. They have to go through so much and it's great to learn from them also

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  5. If a family member with autism and something like this definitely helps me be more aware of what they need to go through to live each day. Understand how to be more understanding.

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  6. These are some great things about why people with autism are awesome. There is nothing like being around people who are honest as well.

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  7. I've not read this book but totally adding it to my list. Thanks for sharing such a great post!

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  8. I love this so much!!!! Those with autism are remarkable individuals!

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  9. Your son seems like a great kid and any parent would love him. Raising kids is always a learning experience and we could learn a lot from your son.

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  10. I haven't read this book yet but is does sound like a really good one to read. I always enjoy reading about how your children are doing.

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  11. This looks like a phenomenal book to read. I love it when books aren't cookie cutter and this story definitely sounds like it has it's deeper meanings and characters.

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  12. This book sounds like a wealth of information about autism. I need to read this book.

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  13. Kids that has special need are the most selfless and loving person you could ever meet. This a such beautiful and inspiring book I would love to read this on my down time .

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  14. I've been hearing a lot of great things about the book The Girl He Used to Know. This sounds like a fabulous spring/summer read!

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  15. I need to check out this book! Children on the spectrum are so special, and I think it is great that there is so much more acceptance and knowledge about this now.

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  16. This sounds like a really engaging book. You don't see too many books where the main character is autistic.

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  17. I know a few people with autism that are definitely awesome. I love how they think and how they see the world.

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  18. I cannot wait to read this book. I have been so fortunate to work with children with autism. I have to say, they taught me more than I taught them.

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  19. I have not read the book but I am aware about it. The points listed by you are so nice. I will think of reading it.

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  20. I have read about a few families who have kids diagnosed with autism. And I completely agree that they are awesome. It's so nice that people are writing stories with main characters with autism . Really spreads the message. The book is on my TBR now!!

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  21. That quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is also one of my favorite and a great reminder for me. That book sounds really interesting and nice to read.

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  22. I would like to read this book. I am so agree that people with autism are awesome. They are unique!

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  23. I think it's their honesty and loyalty that makes my heart melt when I am speaking with someone with autism and/or on the spectrum. This is the second time I am hearing about this book today and it sounds beautiful!

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  24. I don't personally know an individual who has autism so I'm glad to learn those traits that they have. Special indeed. -Lynndee

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  25. I am interested about this book. I've heard a lot of good things about it!

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  26. This book sounds like an amazing read. You are blessed with the opportunity to have Tommy as a son so cherish every moment. What did tommy think of the book?

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  27. Autism is one condition I don't know much about and I loved how beautifully you brought out an autistic person's view of the world. Hugs to you and love to Tommy. �� I have been hearing so many good things about this book and am still awaiting my ARC. Hope it arrives soon. I eager to read it. ��

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  28. I really want to read this book, it sounds really interesting. Tommy sounds like an awesome kid!

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  29. I have a lot of fun with autistic kids. They have so much to teach us.

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  30. I love a book that can really make me reflect back on my own life just like this one did for you.

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  31. Working in a school setting I work with kids with Autism all the time. They are the most amazing kids, who's minds are a beautiful piece of art! This book sounds interesting with some good dynamics I am going to have to add it to my list!

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  32. I have worked as an ABA therapist and the children with autism were always incredibly sweet and honest even when you didnt want them to be lol

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  33. I have heard so many good things about this book, I need to get my hands on it. Honesty is what we are all after I guess, so good to have it from someone

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  34. This is such a refreshing perspective and very very true

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  35. I heave heard alot about this book. I think I need to put it on my summer reading list!

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  36. I have not read this book ,but it certainly sounds interesting . I am always looking for new titles to check out so I will add this to the reading list.

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  37. We have friends with 2 autistic kids. Maybe I should get this for them

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  38. What an amazing post. I especially loved the reason why people with autism are awesome!

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  39. I loved the book too! I am so agree that people with autism are awesome.

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  40. What an amazing post! You are definitely right! Autism doesn't hold anyone back, it makes them even stronger and more unique. I'll be sure to pass this along, thanks for sharing!

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