Monday, April 1, 2013

April Autism Awareness Giveaways!!!

I'm feeling the Awareness Blues... I didn't know there was such a thing until I had it this weekend. And then I diagnosed myself with it... this is how I caught it:
  • This weekend, I contacted the gals I've joined in the past to do the big Autism Blog Hop every April and found out they weren't doing it this year. 
  • Just this weekend, I found out our Northern AZ chapter of the Autism Society of America was closing because numbers have been down at meetings. Yes, I have been one of those numbers who haven't been in a while, but just the fact that these were the people who helped me so much in the beginning of Race's diagnosis. They have always been an anchor for me... even though I haven't been in a while.

I'm having the awareness blues. I'm feeling the winds of change within our little bubble of support, and it makes me sad, though I understand where they're coming from. In the midst of my sadness, I couldn't help but think of a talk I had read by President Uchtdorf titled, Lift Where You Stand. I went back and reread it this Easter weekend and was uplifted. Sometimes the fight is exhausting. It seems the people who need the support often end up being the ones who give the support. And sometimes the burden is too much. 

So, Thank You from the Armstrong's to all the people who have given us support when we needed it. Who lifted me in the moments I felt helpless and at a dead end. Our cups runneth over. Thank you.

And in honor of the huge support my family (especially Race) has been given in the past four years, I will be hosting my own Autism Awareness Giveaway where every week during the month of April, some of my favorite books will be given away. 

*You do NOT have to be a follower to enter.  
*I will have one copy of a different book every week, so be sure to check back weekly.
 *One winner will be announced every Friday, and a new book drawing up on Mondays.
*To be entered in the drawings, please leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment area of this post.  Also, we are all effected by autism in one way or another: tell us about it in your comment if you like.

So, this week's book is one of my favorites:
Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine


New Research is showing now 1 in 88 kids is diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).  It effects all of us and awareness is so very important. Talk to your kids about autism.  As a parent of a child with autism, one of the big struggles we deal with is social interaction.  Again, please talk to your kids about autism, we need more awareness and understanding from the younger generation, from the peers of these amazing kids. Especially since the numbers are only rising.

Thanks for stopping by. :)

15 comments:

kathleen said...

HI!
I sure have missed seeing you at our chapter meetings.. but with NAz being so large its hard for people to all get here. I am having the blues to with having to shut down our chapter. I worked so hard to try and keep it going! but in the end no one wanted to be on the board. I hope sometime to restart it. Love all the pictures of your bright and beautiful family!

Unknown said...

You rock Teddy.

Unknown said...

you and your family are amazing!! :)

AJ said...

I borrowed that book from Helen and really LOVED it. :) So good! It realy helped me to understand in a small way what Asperger's can be like (at least in one situation-- I know each case is totally unique. My youngest sister has Asperger's and it can be hard just to see where she's coming from. I think this book helped.

You know where to find me. :)

A.J

Lori Coey-Ritter said...

Hi Teddy!

I loved your poem to your son-- it made my mascara run! I'm stuck at my desk this morning, grumbling about having to do paperwork, so it snapped things back into perspective for me! Thanks for that!

Lori
verdevalleyot@gmail.com

Helen Freeman said...

Hi Teddy. I read your blog with interest. I especially liked the poem you wrote for Witten. What a wonderful tribute to a special person! You do great things with your family. Thanks for the great things you do in Primary also! Keep up the good work!

Helen
freemans@kachina.net

Unknown said...

That is a great book. ;)

tyrrell said...

You're awesome big/little sis.
Miss you guys

Susan said...

The chapter may not exist, but our community does. Thanks for being there and you can still reach most of us!

Adriane said...

Our world needs more compassion when it comes to autism and we need more advocates like you...you go girl!!

As for my own experience....having an autistic brother has made me a better person. Luke has made me more patient. He has made me realize that a person's worth should not be determined by how well they can fit into society's conventional mold of success. People with autism are pure spirits. Their unfiltered perception of the world is inspiring and humbling. They have a curiosity about life that we should all take note of and strive to follow. I'm feel deeply that I AM a better person, a better mother, a better friend, and a better member of the human race for having the brother that I do.

And, I'm so grateful to know that there are good souls out there (like you) who take an active role in educating people about autism, and who, by doing so, make the world a kinder (and less ignorant) place for us all to live. Thank you and keep up the good work!!

Anonymous said...

Great cause! And the book sounds like a good read. I'd love a copy.

~Rachel

runningrachel33@gmail.com

Kimberly said...

That's too bad about your chapter closing. But I think it's awesome that you're still carrying the torch. You rock!

azkimmysoar@fontiernet.net

Alexandra said...

I love reading about your experiences with Race. And the poem about Witt was really special. Thanks for sharing.

overtheverderainbow@yahoo.com

Tara said...

Love you Teddy! Call me sometime.

Billy said...

Teddy,

Your family is beautiful!!!! I miss you, oh my goodness I can't believe I haven't talked to you in so long! You are an amazing mother who is doing amazing things for your children. Please message me when ever you get the chance. My email is billyraesilva@yahoo.com. Love you lots!!

Billy