AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
AN AUTISTIC beauty queen is hoping to scoop the top prize in an international pageant taking place in London and Disneyland Paris.
Charlie Matthews from Yate is vying for the golden crown in the final of the Face of the Globe competition against more than 180 girls from across the world.
The achievement marks a big milestone for the 12-year-old who is using the fashion and pageant industries to find confidence and increase her self-esteem.
Sara Matthews, Charlie's mum, said: "We are so proud of her and everything she has achieved.
"All of her fears just melt away when she gets on stage or on the catwalk - she is just a natural.
"Charlie is very blunt, but she is warm-hearted, courageous and such a determined girl - she would honsetly do anything for anyone and this shines through as soon as you get to know her."
A highly intelligent young woman, Charlie was diagnosed with autism epilepsy and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, at eight-years-old.
Since then she has struggled to play and communicate with other children.
Sara said: "She finds it hard to talk to people and to look at people in the face.
"Charlie also find it difficult to read people's emotions from their facial expressions.
"Sometimes it does frustrate her. She has physical issues which mean she can have difficulty with moving - for instance, she can't ride a bike - but when she gets down, we focus on all the incredible things she can do."
Charlie will compete in the junior category of the pageant, which will see her walk the catwalk, speak about her charity work and perform a song in the talent section.
The competition is described as a "natural pageant", which means that she will not be wearing any make-up.
And while some people criticise the pageant scene, Sara believes competing has had huge benefits for Charlie's physical and mental health," Sara said.
"Those people who attack beauty pageants are the ones who have never been involved.
"It is not about prancing around and pouting, is all about community, inner beauty and personality.
"Charlie doesn't have any after-school activities and this is a outlet for her to socialise and take part in something which she is so talented at."
Alongside the Face of the Globe competition, Charlie will also be walking in the Paris Fashion week for designer Dani Geddes.
Sara added: "She is so excited to go to Paris and walk for Danni's English Rose line.
"I'm not going to lie, there are times when it is really difficult for the whole family.
"But when we see her up on the catwalk you realise it is all worth it, and there is no greater feeling than seeing her happy and enjoying the incredible things she has achieved."
RELATED: How Can We Do Better By Our Autistic Girls?
SOURCE: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Autist...nternational/story-28630657-detail/story.html
AN AUTISTIC beauty queen is hoping to scoop the top prize in an international pageant taking place in London and Disneyland Paris.
Charlie Matthews from Yate is vying for the golden crown in the final of the Face of the Globe competition against more than 180 girls from across the world.
The achievement marks a big milestone for the 12-year-old who is using the fashion and pageant industries to find confidence and increase her self-esteem.
Sara Matthews, Charlie's mum, said: "We are so proud of her and everything she has achieved.
"All of her fears just melt away when she gets on stage or on the catwalk - she is just a natural.
"Charlie is very blunt, but she is warm-hearted, courageous and such a determined girl - she would honsetly do anything for anyone and this shines through as soon as you get to know her."
A highly intelligent young woman, Charlie was diagnosed with autism epilepsy and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, at eight-years-old.
Since then she has struggled to play and communicate with other children.
Sara said: "She finds it hard to talk to people and to look at people in the face.
"Charlie also find it difficult to read people's emotions from their facial expressions.
"Sometimes it does frustrate her. She has physical issues which mean she can have difficulty with moving - for instance, she can't ride a bike - but when she gets down, we focus on all the incredible things she can do."
Charlie will compete in the junior category of the pageant, which will see her walk the catwalk, speak about her charity work and perform a song in the talent section.
The competition is described as a "natural pageant", which means that she will not be wearing any make-up.
And while some people criticise the pageant scene, Sara believes competing has had huge benefits for Charlie's physical and mental health," Sara said.
"Those people who attack beauty pageants are the ones who have never been involved.
"It is not about prancing around and pouting, is all about community, inner beauty and personality.
"Charlie doesn't have any after-school activities and this is a outlet for her to socialise and take part in something which she is so talented at."
Alongside the Face of the Globe competition, Charlie will also be walking in the Paris Fashion week for designer Dani Geddes.
Sara added: "She is so excited to go to Paris and walk for Danni's English Rose line.
"I'm not going to lie, there are times when it is really difficult for the whole family.
"But when we see her up on the catwalk you realise it is all worth it, and there is no greater feeling than seeing her happy and enjoying the incredible things she has achieved."
RELATED: How Can We Do Better By Our Autistic Girls?
SOURCE: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Autist...nternational/story-28630657-detail/story.html
