From super shy to supermodel

This beauty queen is calling for more understanding of those living with autism

- Brigid Auchettl

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.”