Boy With Autism Inspires Others
By: Ashley Zilka
Updated: January 17, 2013
Sam Maloney always has his camera by his side. The 12-year-old was diagnosed with autism at age three. It hasn't stopped him from doing great things.
"I like taking photos because I like taking pictures of birds and wildlife," said Sam Maloney.
Sam's mom, Debra, first put a camera in his hands. Photography helps him live with autism. He used to struggle with confidence. Then, a call came from a local politician.
"In the beginning, he didn't want to have that contact and that socialization, and when Louise Slaughter had asked Sam to be the official photographer; that was his first experience taking photos of people," said Debra Bellare.
Sam was by Slaughter's side throughout her campaign for Congress.
"Sam got some really good pictures of when Louise Slaughter was elected and he got to learn about the election process and he was cheering her on. It was just great fun," said Bellare.
That was just the beginning. The 12-year-old stayed busy taking snapshots.
As word spread about Sam, another call came in.
Terra Rising, a film production company, is featuring Sam in the documentary, "A Case for Music." It's the story of how music therapy helps children with autism.
"They came and filmed Sam about doing all his work for photography and putting music to his photos and making slideshows," said Bellare.
"That was a pretty cool experience," said Sam.
So what's next? His mom says anything is possible.
"He's doing fabulous. He is in extracurricular activities and Boy Scouts. All these things in the beginning that we didn't think were possible," said Bellare.
"I like taking photos because I like taking pictures of birds and wildlife," said Sam Maloney.
Sam's mom, Debra, first put a camera in his hands. Photography helps him live with autism. He used to struggle with confidence. Then, a call came from a local politician.
"In the beginning, he didn't want to have that contact and that socialization, and when Louise Slaughter had asked Sam to be the official photographer; that was his first experience taking photos of people," said Debra Bellare.
Sam was by Slaughter's side throughout her campaign for Congress.
"Sam got some really good pictures of when Louise Slaughter was elected and he got to learn about the election process and he was cheering her on. It was just great fun," said Bellare.
That was just the beginning. The 12-year-old stayed busy taking snapshots.
As word spread about Sam, another call came in.
Terra Rising, a film production company, is featuring Sam in the documentary, "A Case for Music." It's the story of how music therapy helps children with autism.
"They came and filmed Sam about doing all his work for photography and putting music to his photos and making slideshows," said Bellare.
"That was a pretty cool experience," said Sam.
So what's next? His mom says anything is possible.
"He's doing fabulous. He is in extracurricular activities and Boy Scouts. All these things in the beginning that we didn't think were possible," said Bellare.
