Bailee W

Student

Hi, I’m Bailee!

Hi! I’m Bailee, and I’m a sophomore in high school.

I live with my amazing mom and siblings. I love volleyball, shopping, dogs, biology, video games, and music. If there’s a puppy nearby, there’s a very good chance I’m going to notice it!

I’m also autistic, which means I experience and process certain things differently. I’m independent, caring, funny, and capable, but communication, emotions, transitions, and unexpected changes can sometimes be challenging for me.

My mom says I’m “atypical and amazing,” and I think that’s pretty accurate!

Things I Love

🏐 Volleyball
🛍️ Shopping
🐶 Dogs
🧬 Biology
🎮 Video games
🎵 Music

Things That Can Be Difficult for Me

Change and transitions: My brain does better when I know what to expect. Unexpected changes or moving quickly from one activity to another can be difficult. A little warning or time to process can help.

Expressing myself when I’m upset: I can have strong feelings and know that I need to express myself, but finding the right words and using the right tone in the moment can be difficult. Frustration may sometimes come out as a sharp tone, arguing, withdrawing, or becoming overwhelmed.

This does NOT mean inappropriate behavior is okay. I am still responsible for learning to communicate respectfully. However, when I am overwhelmed, my autism can make it harder for me to regulate my emotions and communicate appropriately.

Feeling unheard: When I feel like I am not being allowed to explain myself or that my perspective isn't being heard, my frustration can increase quickly. I don't necessarily need to get my way; sometimes I need to feel that I have been heard and given an appropriate opportunity to explain myself.

Loud or harsh communication: Yelling or harsh tones can overwhelm me. A calm, firm approach usually works better.

How I Experience the World

  • Big feelings can come quickly, and I’m still learning how to slow them down and name them.
  • Sometimes I need extra time to process information before I can respond.
  • Music can help calm and regulate me.
  • Certain sounds, textures, or environments may feel more intense to me.
  • I care deeply, even if I don't always show it in expected ways.
  • My facial expression or tone may not always match how I feel inside.
  • Sometimes I speak sharply without realizing how I sound. I usually don't mean to be hurtful.
  • If I make a mistake, I may feel embarrassed and need time before I can talk about it or apologize.
  • I do want to learn, improve, and do better.

What Helps Me

Stay calm: A calm voice and clear directions help me regulate.

Give me space: If I become overwhelmed, a little time to cool down can help me regain control. Once I am calm, I am much better able to discuss what happened.

Let me communicate appropriately: I am learning how to respectfully disagree, ask questions, explain my perspective, and ask for help or a break.

Give me time to process: I may not immediately be able to explain why I am upset. A little time can make a big difference.

Correct me without giving up on me: I understand that my behavior may need to be corrected. I don't expect to be excused because I am autistic. I am learning how to express frustration appropriately, recognize when I am overwhelmed, take responsibility, and repair relationships after difficult moments.

One Important Thing to Know

I may occasionally have difficult emotional moments or meltdowns. They are not necessarily frequent, but they can happen when I am overwhelmed, frustrated, or having difficulty communicating.

My family is not asking anyone to excuse inappropriate behavior. We simply want the adults around me to understand that sometimes there is more happening underneath the behavior.

I am not asking people to lower their expectations for me. I may simply need different strategies to reach those expectations.

When I feel respected, understood, and safe enough to communicate, I am much more likely to listen, learn, and grow.

I didn't choose how my brain is wired, but I can choose to keep learning and growing.

My Mom

My mom, Diane Waller, is my biggest cheerleader and advocate. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas that may help me succeed, she welcomes communication.

Email: [email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, not just my diagnosis.

— Bailee