Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop, sponsored by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer, Just Another Book Addict, Fire and Ice, and Page Turners. Here at JDP NEWS, I am giving away a copy of the e-book, The Key to Charlotte, by E.A. West. E.A. writes sweet and inspirational romances, and is herself autistic. She speaks eloquently about autism in her April 1, 2012 blog post on Autism Awareness Month. Here is an excerpt that particularly touched my heart:

"Unfortunately, I’m afraid too many autistic girls will have to deal with the same confusing adolescence I did, where they are told by professionals that they are perfectly normal yet know inside that there is something “wrong” with them, something that makes them different from everyone around them.

If you’re a girl dealing with these feelings or you know a girl who is, I can say one thing with absolute certainty based on my own experiences: There is nothing wrong with you. You are perfect the way God made you. It’s tough never fitting into any group, even your own family, and always knowing you are different from everyone around you, but there are other people in this world like you, other people who have been through what you are going through now." 

I hope you will take time to read the rest of E.A.'s post here.

Now here is a description of The Key to Charlotte:

Charlotte Harris can't speak due to a quirk in her autistic brain, but that doesn't stop her from communicating with others. Unfortunately, it prevents her from achieving two of her dreams--praising God through song and to carrying on a simple conversation using her own voice.

Zakaria Rush is the new Director of Children's Ministries at Charlotte's church, and he can't keep his thoughts off the partially mute blonde with a love for guitar music. Her love of the simple things in life intrigues him and makes him long to give her what she wants more than anything: her voice.

Can Zakaria help Charlotte find the key to unlocking her ability to speak, or will his attempt to help her only lock away their chance for love?

My giveaway is open to international entries, as long as you're able to receive a Kindle or Nook gift option. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. If I can't contact you because I don't have your email address, I will draw another name.

This giveaway ends at midnight PST on April 17th. I'll announce the winner here at JDP NEWS on April 18th.

All entered? Then hop along to find some more great prizes at the links below!

Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

April is Autism Awareness Month, and four lovely bloggers--Lindsey @ Just Another Book Addict, Heather @ Fire and Ice Photo, Pixie @ Page Turners, and Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer--are sponsoring an Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop to help spread the word about Autism.

Before I announce my giveaway prizes, I asked a dear friend of mine, Danyelle Ferguson, to share a guest blog with my readers. Danyelle is the mother of an autistic child and the author of a brand new book about special needs children, and has some wonderful, oh-so-simple advice for us! Please read on:

"Be Aware. Be Understanding."

This is my very favorite quote. Autism awareness is so important to me, other parents, and individuals with autism. I have met many parents who have struggled with their kids at a park or store and received comments from people passing by about their child's lack of manners or the parent's lack of discipline. While these comments can be thought of as rude, really they are a result of 1) not being aware of the full situation, and 2) not being kind and understanding.

Even though there's a lot of publicity about autism these days, I often meet people who don't really understand what autism is. Well, guess what? I'm a parent of a child with autism and I still don't understand what autism is! Autism just isn't that simple. There's no easy definition or description because it affects each individual differently. You can't just look at someone and say, "Hey, he has autism." If you don't interact with someone who has autism on a daily basis, you will most likely miss any cues that might make you think of autism.

So how can you help if it's not easy to tell if someone has autism? Just be a good community member. The key to making parents and individuals with autism feel comfortable - no matter the circumstances - is to be kind and understanding. 

Do you remember that rule your parents taught you about - if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all? Live it.

If you encounter a situation where a parent and child are struggling and the groceries go flying or an adult is having a difficult time expressing what he's trying to find in a store and you feel comfortable helping, then do it.  The help could be as simple as picking up the groceries, walking beside the parent to the car, then putting the groceries in the trunk. Something so simple can make a huge impact on a weary parent, whether their child has autism, another disability, or is just a tired kid throwing a tantrum. Do you see how just being a good member of the community can help anyone and make your town a happier place to live? The difference is really just your attitude and being kind.

I challenge you today to make a change, to be more aware of those around you, and to reach out and share a simple act of kindness with just one person. Then do it again tomorrow. Make it a goal each and every day.

Danyelle Ferguson is the author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ. She’s the mother of a son with autism and the co-founder of Friends of GIANT Steps, a non-profit that benefits an autism preschool. For more information about Danyelle, please visit her website:  http://www.danyelleferguson.com/

I wanted to offer Danyelle's new book as my giveaway, but it's not quite available yet. (Although it is available for pre-order on Amazon.) So instead, I'm offering the winner's choice of these two books:

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, by Ellen Notbohm

OR

Loyalty's Web, by Joyce DiPastena

I'm going to make this giveaway simple. All you  have to do to enter is read Danyelle's guest post then tell me in a comment ONE THING you can do to help a parent with an autistic child. Please include which prize you would like to win and your email address so I can contact you if I draw your name. (Actually, Random.org will do the drawing.) USA entries only, please.

Deadline is April 14, midnight EST.

And after you leave your comment, see the blog hop list below to hop on to the next blog hop stop!