Autistic model steps out with confidence - Alexie Marks takes to the runway

It's showtime! Stunningly beautiful and handsome young model hopefuls are backstage in the ballroom of the AC Hotel Kington, eager to make their runway debut. Standing tall among them is Alexie Marks, who is determined to defy the odds and make his mark despite his challenges.

Marks was diagnosed with autism at age two. Social interaction for him has, at times, been a challenge, but the 21-year-old confidently stepped out as a contestant in SAINT International's Fashion Face of the Caribbean finals last Sunday, determined to showcase his talent and prove that autism does not define their abilities.

Encouraged by his mother, Harriett Clarke, to attend a model audition in 2019, a somewhat reluctant Marks eventually acquiesced. "This was my mom's attempt to help me find something that I could do to develop my confidence socially and get out more," he said. "When I was eventually shortlisted by SAINT CEO Deiwght Peters, I was very anxious as I was not sure I could meet the expectations of being a model because of my autism but mom encouraged me along the way and helped to keep my focus."

Marks began attending SAINT's workshops and soon discovered "I could actually do what was required like the walks and various movements, trust me it's not as easy as it looks".

"It was before the pandemic hit and we had done many sessions before COVID shut everything down, but I was called back last year when Mr Peters restarted training and I picked up right where we left off," he shared.

Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with autism experience challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours and speech. Approximately 700 children are born with autism in Jamaica each year.

Marks explained that living with autism is not easy, as in a social environment, an autist can miss cues that everyone is familiar with. A graduate of Liberty Academy at Priory, Marks attained five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects. With aspirations to become either a writer or documentarian, Marks is currently taking Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination classes in Communications Studies and Entrepreneurship at The Mico University College's evening classes.

On Sunday, he did not win the competition, but Marks walked away with a boost of confidence.

"I am definitely not the same person as I was going in," he shared of his experience in SAINT's months-long development prep.

"It has broadened my way of thinking, even in the little details I have begun to appreciate how I present myself to the outside world. It has helped me to be more self-aware."

Jamaica Autism Support Association co-founder Gayle Cunningham was delighted with young Marks' participation in the competition.

"It is always wonderful when one of our own succeeds in the way that they wish. It's good to see them find something they enjoy," she said.

Clarke felt proud to see him on stage.

"My mouth was wide open seeing him on stage, my friends who had come to support him were yelling their heads off and saying 'don't you see him, how come you not shouting?' You see I had never seen him on the runway before. He looked self-assured. It felt amazing to see him doing his thing," the exceedingly proud mom said.