( CNN ) -- I knew there had to be a reason my family and I went through tough days together . I did n't understand why then , but the past couple of weeks have put so much into perspective . The lonely days of pacing around my kitchen seemed like some of the longest days of my life . If anyone had told me then that I would be wearing a crown , an evening gown , heels and a swimsuit in front of a live audience with bright lights and television cameras hovering around , I 'd have been the first one to dismiss it . I realize now that even my toughest days pale in comparison to the toughest days of others living with an autism spectrum disorder . I 've been given this opportunity to use my voice for those who do n't have one or have yet to find theirs . My path may not be one that another person would choose , but I challenged myself to enter the Miss America competition because it seemed like the peak to my own personal Everest . It also seemed kind of ironic : a girl who was told she was different and considered an outcast by many , in the nation 's biggest beauty pageant . I knew I would face challenges and even some skepticism , but I never expected the outpouring of support that continues to come in . Winning the America 's Choice title during the competition was the highest honor for me . The fact that so many people , to whom I am a total stranger , took the time to elect me as their contestant of choice is something I am still trying to comprehend . The glitz and the glamour may have faded from the wonderful experience of Miss America , but my commitment to raising awareness about autism and building bridges of acceptance grows stronger each day -- especially after I read e-mails , Facebook posts or tweets from the people who have supported my journey . I will be successful if just one person encounters a child who is overstimulated without staring , if one teenager invites an `` outcast '' to lunch or just smiles at him or her , or if one employer gives a job to someone who might not be able to look the interviewer in the eye . I also hope that families reading my story who feel isolated or have concerns and questions about their children know they are not alone -- there is a wonderfully loving community with people just waiting to be your friend and mentor . One thing I have learned in partnering with organizations like AbilityPath.org and Generation Rescue is that the special needs community is one of the most loyal and supportive groups anyone could join . I 'm honored to be a part of this new circle of friends , and have no doubt that it was the people who found me relatable and believed in me that helped me become America 's Choice . I do n't know what tomorrow will bring , but I do know there is a lot for me to do to make sure people really get that `` Normal is just a dryer setting . ''
Alexis Wineman was diagnosed with a form of autism at one . She won the Miss America competition last year . Alexis Wineman says the CNN pageant was `` my own personal Miss America ''