From super shy to supermodel
This beauty queen is calling for more understanding of those living with autism
For more than a decade Laura Younger, from Werribee, Victoria, sat alone in the playground. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at 13 years old, she struggled to pick up on social cues and was targeted by bullies for being quiet and “different”.
“My autism makes it hard knowing what to say in conversations, or how to keep a conversation going,” Laura, now 23, tells Woman’s Day.
“I was severely bullied, I didn’t have friends... I’d go to school and not speak to anyone all day.”
Feeling like an outcast after years of bullying, Laura’s mental health spiralled so low she attempted suicide three years ago.
“I felt so lonely,” says Laura. “I felt like I had no one... it was a really tough time.”
But Laura turned things around. After seeing an online advert for a modelling show, Miss Multiverse Australia, she decided to enter.
“I wanted to do modelling but wasn’t sure about it. I thought, ‘How could someone like me with no social skills be able to model?’” she says.
“My confidence flourished after the judges awarded me Miss Personality at the grand finale. I’d never have imagined I could be confident enough to walk on stage in front of so many people.”
As a result of boosting her self-esteem, it became easier to talk to people, and Laura started to make friends.
“I have genuine friends now,” she says. “I became quite close with a lot of the girls and they were very supportive of me and each other.
“I feel like with everything I do I’m growing and becoming more independent.”
Laura’s increased confidence led her to apply for Miss World Australia, where she was hand-selected as one of 15 Victorian finalists and will compete against the rest of the country’s finalists later this year.
Laura hopes that sharing her struggles will help to break down some of the stereotypes around autism.
“People tell me all the time that I ‘don’t look autistic’, but it’s not always meltdowns screaming on the floor – it’s a spectrum,” she says. “I’ve had a lot of people contact me saying their daughter or son has autism and how I’ve been an inspiration. It makes me proud.”
Miss World Australia’s motto is Beauty With A Purpose, encouraging contestants to raise money for charity. Laura is supporting Variety Australia, which helps disadvantaged, sick and special needs children.
If you’d like to donate to a good cause, visit miss-worldaustralia-2020.raisely.com/ laura-younger