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true teen PERSONAL NARRATIVE A recent painting by Amanda, East Coast—America. Power of Art My name is Amanda LaMunyon. I have Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. I don’t see myself as a person with a disability. I share who I am when I paint, sing, and write. I started writing poetry because I wanted to tell people what it was like to have Asperger’s syndrome. I don’t know how my life would be different without Asperger’s. I have had it for as long as I can remember. Autism spectrum disorders are neurological conditions that affect the brain’s ability to read, write, speak, and know how to deal with life in general. I look at the world differently than most people. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to respond to certain social situations. I find it hard to be in control when a particular situation is confusing, but I am learning how to work through these things. I’m also learning that you don’t have to be By Amanda LaMunyon The Autism Society of America named Oklahoma native Amanda LaMunyon, 14, the 2008 Outstanding Individual With Autism. like everybody else. You just have to be confident in who you are. Life-Changing Painting I discovered I could paint when I was 7. My teacher Mrs. Brock was so encouraging about my art, even when she became very ill. She loved my painting of a snow scene. She called it “Winter Wonderland” because it reminded her of her favorite song. After she died, her husband told me that she hung that painting at the foot of her bed so that she could see it all the time. Knowing that I had made something that meant so much to her meant so much to me. It changed my life. Before then, my life had been spinning out of control. I couldn’t stay focused, and I didn’t think very much of myself because it seemed I was always getting in trouble for not being able to understand the world around me. Because of Mrs. Brock, I realized I had something to give that might make a difference in people’s lives. She made me think about the songs I loved, and I began to paint my impression of those songs. A New Point Of View Soon after, people asked me to show my art and sing for charity events. I was so surprised, but also happy to do it. I began to donate prints of my work for charity auctions. People started to look at me differently when they knew I could paint. 22 Scholastic <strong>Scope</strong> SEPTEMBER 7, 2009
Dig Deeper Vase of Pink Roses, 2003. My Little Corner, 2006. READING COMPREHENSION 1 In what does Amanda NOT believe a the value of creativity b the power of art c the value of encouragement D thinking of herself as a person with a disability all photos courtesy the Lamunyon family I know that having something to give made me a different person. I learned that when you give, you receive happiness. When I had the honor of speaking at the United Nations for Autism Speaks and RCM Autism Notebook, I was able to share my story with delegates from all over the world. This was very special to me because these people really want to find out what causes autism and how to cure it. Actions and words do matter. That’s why I love to speak about Amanda sang at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City last February. autism. Everything we do has some kind of consequence. We can hurt people, or we can build people up. It is our choice. Get Creative! I think it is very important for teens to express themselves. It’s a way to know yourself more clearly. You can turn your thoughts and feelings into a piece of artwork or a poem. For example, when you paint, colors can help you express different emotions. When you write a poem, you have to get really honest with yourself and not be afraid to write down what you feel. Creativity makes you unique and sets you apart from others. Creative ideas also help you make your dreams come true. They help you wipe away your inhibitions and make you look at things in a new way. I hope my story helps people to believe they can overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams. I like to encourage others. I know what encouragement has meant to me. dTo learn more about autism spectrum disorders, visit www.scholastic.com/scope. 2 Which is NOT a reason Amanda paints a to wipe away inhibitions b to get an A+ in art class c to share her story D to encourage others through creative expression 3 Which of these would be the BEST alternate title for this story a “My Trip to the U.N.” b "Living in Oklahoma” c “How to Paint” D “Express Yourself!” Write Now! Amanda’s life changed forever when she gave a gift to a teacher. Amanda says that “when you give, you receive happiness.” How have you influenced the lives of others Write a personal essay about a gift, helping hand, or a kind word you’ve given to improve someone’s day, and how your action made you feel. Scholastic <strong>Scope</strong> SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 23
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