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ASPartOfMe
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04 Oct 2020, 3:08 am

Autistic Miss World finalist reveals why she attempted suicide aged 20 after feeling like she didn't fit in and had no one to turn to

Quote:
An autistic Miss World Australia finalist opened up about the years of torment that almost made her take her own life when she was just 20-years-old.

Werribee woman Laura Younger, 23, is one of 15 Victorian finalists in the competition and used the platform to speak about mental health and overcoming demons.

Ms Younger, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when she was 13-years-old, told The Herald Sun she spent her school years lonely and 'friendless'.

She was plagued by suicidal thoughts for years before her attempt, saying it felt like she didn't belong and her life was crumbling around her.

Her life began to turn around when she found the first group of real friends she'd ever had and a loving new boyfriend.

It was shortly after, in 2018, when Ms Younger took part in the Miss Multiverse Australia reality show which ultimately led to the Miss World Australia competition.

She hoped her story could help others who were struggling to see that life gets better, urging them to 'hold on to hope'.

Taking part in the competition was something Ms Younger said she never thought she would've been able to do in the past.

'It’s still very hard for me to relate to other people and make friends, it’s actually very hard for me to compete in Miss World and I’m surprised I got in,' she said.


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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity

It is Autism Acceptance Month

“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman


Pepe
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04 Oct 2020, 8:22 am

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