Painting a picture of hope for children with autism

By Jennifer Jackson

Published: June 7, 2008

ENID — A diagnosis of Asperger syndrome five years ago spurred an Oklahoma girl to raise awareness about autism.

Now Amanda LaMunyon has been named the 2008 Outstanding Individual with Autism by the Autism Society of America because of the inspiration she has been to others living with the disorder.

Amanda's parents enrolled her in art lessons when she was 7 because she was having trouble focusing in school and socializing with other children.

Shortly after Amanda began painting, her parents discovered she had the disorder and a hidden talent.

Asperger syndrome is a milder version of autistic disorder and is characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood, according to the society's Web site.

For Amanda, a bare canvas and some paint became the outlet she needed to connect with a world from which she once felt isolated.

Today, she uses her art to encourage others with learning differences.

Amanda, 13, said she was "flabbergasted” when her mom told her she had received the national award.

"Winning the award makes me feel like I can dream my dreams,” Amanda said. "It gives me hope.”

Danielle Wendel, co-author of the book "Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders,” was one of two people who nominated Amanda for the award.

Amanda was asked to paint the cover of the book to provide more recognition for girls with autism, Wendel said.

"Amanda has so many gifts and talents to offer young children and adults with autism,” Wendel said. "My goal was to show that having autism isn't always a disability. Amanda definitely reflects that.”

Amanda has become friends with Wendel's 13-year-old daughter, Mattison, another high-functioning girl who has been diagnosed with autism.

"Typical peers don't always connect with a child with autism,” Wendel said.

"It seems as though children with autism find comfort in other children who have the same disability. It is such a nice outlet for them to have each other and not feel any pressure about how to act. They are able to be themselves.”

‘Driven by passion'

A second nomination for Amanda came from Rosa Martinez, a curriculum and behavioral specialist consulting at the Children's Center for Early Learning and Early Intervention in Manhattan. On the side, she works as a curator of art by individuals with autism.

Martinez said she was intrigued when she came across Amanda's art and decided to submit it for the Inaugural World Autism Awareness Day art exhibition at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

She nominated Amanda for the award because of her personal accomplishments and her thoughtfulness.

"Amanda appeared to be driven by passion and conviction to bring awareness to others,” Martinez said. "She radiates strength from her autism and openly shares her emotions for the benefit of others.”

Amanda said she will continue to share her story to educate others about autism.

"My mother always says God has bigger plans for us than we could ever dream,” she said.

"I believe her.”

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