How We Deal With Gravity (28 page)

I’ve given a great deal of thought to this part of the book.
The acknowledgements. There are
a lot
of
people I want to acknowledge—people who have poured over my words with
me, put up with my neurotic questioning, slapped my hand while I chewed my
nails and worried that I was getting it
just
right.
But the first words of acknowledgement need to go to the warriors on
this earth—the parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends
of those with autism.

I came to understand autism fully years ago while working as
a journalist. As with many things in my journalism career, it was a story assignment
that educated me. I went into the assignment with some basic understanding, but
I came away with open eyes—and a new passion. And over the years, I’ve
volunteered my writing services for an organization here in Arizona—the
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center—and I’ve been blessed to
meet amazing families, medical practitioners, therapists, volunteers and
teachers who all work to pull on the strands of the puzzle that autism is with
the hope of unraveling it just a little more for those living with it.

I have had family affected by diagnosis. I have had friends
affected by diagnosis. And I have interviewed countless parents who, like Avery
Abbot, are brave fighters in the face of a strong wind, traveling uphill every
minute of every day. So this book is first and foremost for them, my humble way
of honoring their story and spreading their mantra—hope.

I must also thank, as always, my husband and son, for
believing in me more than I think I deserve. And this story would never have
made it safely from my Mac to market without the assistance of my editors, Tina
Scott and Billi Joy Carson, and my team of amazing beta readers who helped make
sure Avery and Mason’s story was honest, heartfelt and truly one of love. Thank
you, Jen, Nikki, Shelley, Debbie and Brigitte.

And lastly, if you would like to learn more about the many
amazing programs, services, research projects, resources, opportunities and
more at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, please visit them
online at
www.autismcenter.org
.
 

About the author

Ginger Scott is a journalist and writer from Peoria,
Arizona. A proud Sun Devil, she is a graduate and associate faculty member of
Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism. When she’s not typing
feverishly on her MacBook during the wee hours or reading in the dark on her
iPad, she’s probably at a baseball diamond somewhere watching her son or her
favorite team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, take the field.

Also by Ginger Scott

In addition to
How We
Deal With Gravity,
Ginger Scott is the author of the powerful and
character-driven coming-of-age romance series
Waiting on the Sidelines
and
Going
Long
as well as the new-adult romance
Blindness.
She will have a new romance releasing in late summer 2014 titled
This Is Falling.
For the latest
information on new projects, book signings and more, be sure to follow her on
Facebook and Twitter or visit her online.

www.littlemisswrite.com

www.facebook.com/GingerScottAuthor

Twitter @TheGingerScott