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:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram