Miss Montana will make pageant history when she vies for the crown this weekend.
18 year-old Alexis Wineman is the first contestant with autism to compete in the Miss America pageant.
Via: autismunited.org
Alexis was labeled "different" and "difficult" during elementary and middle school. She was bullied and teased for her speech impediment and eventually stopped talking to avoid attention, descending into self-abusive behavior.
Source: Cut Bank Pioneer Press / via: cutbankpioneerpress.com
Socially isolated and struggling with school, Alexis would sometimes bang her head against walls or descend into screaming fits when frustrated.
Via: facebook.com
After a two-year process that included counseling, a battery of tests, and behavioral medicine, Alexis was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including borderline Asperger’s syndrome at age 11.
Alexis with her mother.
Via: facebook.com
