Miss Montana and the Miss America contest

In a competition filled with smiles, struts, and sass the reigning Miss Montana looks like she fits right in.

"it just really kind of hit me that, holy, holy crap, I'm at Miss America."

Alexis Wineman will become the first Miss America contestant with autism.

The 18-year-old said she has always had trouble fitting in. She was diagnosed with autism when she was 11.

Even though she was highly functioning she says she was ridiculed because of her speech impediment and shyness. She credits her family with enabling her to become comfortable in her own skin.

"I realized I've done a lot of things I never thought I'd be able to do so what's stopping me from at least trying," said Wineman.

Saturday is the day 53 women will compete for the title of Miss America.

Miss Indiana, Merrie Beth Cox, attends Purdue university. Miss Michigan, Angela Venditti, graduated from Oakland University.