LazyJane, first of all, Adobe Reader and Acrobat are two different applications and Adobe Reader is not a part of Creative Cloud(its a freeware) while Acrobat XI Pro is.
Yes, if you have a Creative Cloud Membership, its always recommended to get Acrobat XI Pro using Adobe Application Manager(AAM).
When you say Acrobat is not available to you via AAM, what exactly you mean? Could you just scroll down and check if you see Acrobat XI Pro on AAM. Attach the screensho, if possible.
Else, you might not have the updated version of AAM. Try the below steps and check:
>> Download and install the Adobe Creative Suite Cleaner Tool: http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html
>> Extract and run it.
>> Select "e" for English.
>> Hit "Y" for Yes if asked.
>> Select Option 3 for Creative Cloud.
>> Then select Option 1 for Creative Cloud Installer.
>> Rename the OOBE folder to OOBE OLD from :
Mac: MAC HD/Library/Application Support/Adobe
Win: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\
>> Also, If there is a process running named 'AAM Update Notifier' or 'AAM Registration Notifier' . Kill those processes and try to install Adobe Application Manager again and check.
>> Download and Install the latest version of Adobe Application Manager from the below link :
Windows: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4773
Mac: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4774