Hi, my name is Nicole Missios and I am a national finalist for Miss Galaxy Australia in 2025. I am here to share my story about growing up being autistic and how I overcame my weaknesses and turned them into superpowers.
Growing up with Autism certainly isn’t easy for anyone. Autistic people have to learn to not only navigate the neurotypical world but also learn about themselves during this time. When I was 2 years old I was diagnosed with a speech and learning disability. I was quite non-verbal growing up and would often ask and do things without speaking or mentioning anything... (Example: I would go and get snacks without asking my mum to get them for me or wander around the shops without mum leaving her to panic about where I had gone). Throughout prep and primary school, I would be placed into easier classrooms and have to go to different doctors to help with my disability. I did not like a lot of things growing up. I did not like certain environments such as shopping centres and would often become overwhelmed and try to find a safe spot. This also became an issue when I started to become more anxious around certain things like thunderstorms and would not like to be outside when I knew there was a storm.
When I was between 12-13 I was diagnosed with Autism. Back then there wasn’t a lot of information and support about being diagnosed with Autism, so I had to navigate my way around high school and growing up while not understanding fully about Autism. I couldn’t understand why I was different compared to my friends at school. I would only like to be in my safe spaces and if I was ever going to be late for anything I would panic as being late was not allowed in my mind. Even small things like catching a bus to school was hard for me as I hadn’t experienced it and felt overwhelmed by the situation. My teachers in high school also didn’t fully understand Autism and my needs. They constantly would either place me in stressful situations or make sure my work was super easy as they thought that is what was best for me.
As I got older I started to realise what Autism was and began to learn my boundaries and what I had to do to advocate for myself. Although I still struggle at times, I was able to communicate better with my friends and some ended up being very accommodating to my needs. I would also start to struggle with the voices in my head at this time and would prefer to stay home in my safe place than rather go outside and live my life. In Year 11 and 12 I finally overcame the voices in my head and started to slowly try new things and go outside more. I tried sushi, went to concerts and experienced things I had never done before. Although they were tricky I overcame many battles. In Year 11 and 12 I also started winning many awards at school for outstanding learning which many people thought wasn’t possible when I was younger.
Once I began University, I decided that it was time to not let my Autism get the best of me, but rather ended up using it as my superpower to conquer at many dreams I had. Although having a learning disability I was able to graduate University with a Bachelors degree and overcome completing exams and assignments. I hates change in my life but I had to learn to start making new friends and trying new experiences further out of my comfort zone. I was able to come out of my social bubble and make new friends which some friends I still talk to today. I also had to face a very tricky situation a few years ago with my mental health as it spiralled down into a black hole after having some health problems and losing a friend of mine. I felt lost and couldn’t come to terms with what had happened. With therapy and the help of others I was able to bounce back. Being autistic I hates goodbyes and saying goodbye to someone forever was very difficult for me.
3 years ago I decided to take on a new journey in my life which was pageantry. I was completely new to this and felt quite anxious stepping outside of my comfort zone. I would often get quite nervous on stage or have major panic attacks about certain things not working out. Over the years, I have become more confident within myself and becoming the best version of myself. I have won many awards including the special #galaxygirl award in 2024 for my determination and hard work over the past 3 years of competing at Australia Galaxy Pageants. I hope that through my platform ‘Dreams Beyond the Spectrum’ that I can help and teach others who are on the Neurodivgerent spectrum how to live out their dreams and goals just the way I did and become the best versions of themselves.