Bailee W

Student

Hi, I’m Bailee!

I’ll be starting high school as a freshman in 2025. I live with my amazing mom and siblings, and I’m totally into volleyball, shopping, and dogs — seriously, if there’s a puppy nearby, we’re already best friends.

I’m also a high-functioning autistic student. That means I process the world a little differently. Social rules, emotions, and transitions aren’t always easy for me, but with the right support, I grow stronger every day. My mom says I’m “atypical and amazing,” and I think that’s pretty accurate

Things I Love:

Volleyball 🏐

Shopping 🛍️

Dogs 🐶

Biology 🧬

Video games 🎮

What's Hard For Me Sometimes:

  • Change can feel like an earthquake. My brain loves rhythm and predictability. I do better when I can prepare ahead.
  • If we haven’t connected yet, I might seem quiet. I need emotional safety before I open up.
  • Transitions are tricky. Even shifting from one class to another can feel disorienting.
  • Not having choices makes me feel unseen. Even small options help me feel respected.
  • Loud voices or harsh tones overwhelm me. I may shut down, withdraw or become verbally abusive— it’s not defiance, it’s protection.

How I Experience The World:

  • Certain textures feel extreme. What’s soft to you might be intense to me.
  • Music calms my brain. It brings order when everything else feels loud or jumbled.
  • Big feelings hit fast. I’m still learning how to slow them down and name them.
  • I care — even if I don’t always show it. My face might not match my heart, but I feel deeply.
  • I bloom when I’m understood. Your patience helps me thrive.
  • Sometimes I speak sharply without realizing. I usually don’t mean it that way.
  • When I hurt someone, I do feel bad. But embarrassment might stop me from apologizing right away.

How You Can Support Me:

  • Learn about Autism and neurodiversity. Understanding me is the first step to helping me.
  • Give me space to cool off. I need time to self-regulate before I can explain.
  • Gently guide me if I misstep. I want to grow and do better.
  • Remember: small talk, eye contact, and quick responses aren’t always natural for me. But kindness is — and I’m learning every day.
  • I didn’t choose how my brain is wired, but I choose to grow. And your support makes all the difference.

My mom, Diane Waller, is my biggest cheerleader. If you ever need to connect, she welcomes your support or questions at [email protected]. Even on tough days, your patience helps me move forward. Thanks for being part of my journey.

Bailee