The Beautiful Face of Autism

In the News
When stories hit the news that talk about how real people deal with dyslexia and autism in their personal lives, it gives us a genuine perspective on what it means to live with these differences.

This week the story of Alexis Wineman, who will represent Montana in the Miss America pageant, has been a popular feature.

Ms. Wineman, who is 18 years old, is the youngest contestant in the pageant this year. That's not the only thing that separates her from the others competing for the title of Miss America: she's also autistic.  

In fact, she's the first contestant diagnosed with autism, to be part of the pageant.

"Diagnosed at 11, Wineman says she has "very mild symptoms," including melting down in stressful situations, occasional difficulty communicating and taking things literally. But she says these things are now a part of who she is and hopes her pageant appearance will help raise awareness for others coping with autism." 

Autism Diagnosis
Alexis' symptoms of -taking things too literally, -having melt downs in stressful situations, -needing time and tools to help her focus, are all part of why she was diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder and mild autism at the age of 11.

"for the longest time I just wanted to know what was wrong with me." 

This beauty queen says that diagnosis at age 11 came too late; a diagnosis at birth would have been better she feels. Regardless, her struggles lead her to feel that graduating from high school would never happen because of her difficulties with autism.

I can only speculate why she feels this label came too late for her, because, she's certainly reaching toward goals that not everyone obtains, like training herself for public speaking, putting herself into situations where quality competition and presentation skills are essential, plus having the self-assuredness that's required to be in the limelight; and now she's preparing to go to college. These are all things that say she's already taken great strides to be the best she can be.

But Alexis feels there's more. Now she's ready to show off her talents and skills, in front of a live audience and television viewers, where pose and sophistication will reign.  After tonight, regardless of the results of the pageant, she will continue to spread her message.

'Oops, wrong planet' has been used to talk about people who are on the autism spectrum but Miss Montana says she's just someone with a few differences, someone who wants to continue to change, and to become the best person she can be. Sounds like a goal anyone could have!

Here Are the Facts
"Most people do not understand what autism is." Wineman explains in her online finalist video.

"And one in 88 people having some form of autism -- this understanding is becoming more and more necessary "   -Alexis Wineman

For more information on the Davis Autism Approach: http://www.davisautism.com/what_daa.html

To read more about Alexis Wineman: http://www.examiner.com/article/miss-montana-coping-with-autism