Alexis Wineman, Miss Montana, is set to compete this Saturday in the 92nd Miss America pageant, marking the first year that someone living with autism has participated. “Growing up, I never was really interested in pageants. I thought it would be something I was never able to do,” Alexis told Today.

The 18-year-old Montana native was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder and borderline Asperger's syndrome at the age of 11. Fortunately, she's now able to use her position to raise awareness about her disorder. Just take a look at her Miss America platform issue: "Normal Is Just a Dryer Setting: Living with Autism."