My Autism Journey: How Sublimation Changed My Life
My autism journey began when my mother noticed speech delays and avoided eye contact at age two, prompting a diagnosis that was initially preceded by concerns at age one, which doctors downplayed, reassuring her, "She's fine." Despite the delay, her persistence paid off, and the diagnosis marked the start of our journey toward understanding and acceptance. Following the diagnosis, I was enrolled in multiple therapies, including speech and occupational therapy, where I learned to communicate and overcome sensory issues affecting everyday tasks like hygiene. Although I faced challenges, including being asked to leave preschool at age two due to being deemed "too difficult," my mother's perseverance ensured I received the necessary support, shaping my growth and development and fostering resilience along the way.
Bailey Bender as a child
As I entered kindergarten, my elementary school recommended transferring me to a separate special education school, citing difficulties in accommodating my needs. However, my mother steadfastly advocated for my inclusion in the same school as my brother. Initially placed in a cluster class for children with high-support needs autism, my mother persisted in pushing for mainstream classroom integration. After the school refused and claimed financial constraints, an independent review revealed available funds, leading to a trial one-hour daily mainstream placement. I excelled in this setting but struggled during the remaining hours, eager for full-time inclusion. My mother's unwavering determination ultimately led the school to grant full-time mainstream status after she threatened to file a complaint with the state of Florida. From second grade onward, I successfully mainstreamed until high school graduation and subsequently prepared for college.
After graduating from high school in 2018, I enrolled at Broward College, initially pursuing a degree in Business Administration. However, my transformative JROTC experience, where I successfully spearheaded weekly doughnut sales, sparked a passion for Marketing. This newfound interest led me to switch majors and explore the creative facets of business. While studying Marketing, I cultivated a deep appreciation for various art forms. In 2020, I earned my Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from Broward College, propelling me toward further academic pursuits.
Bailey Bender's Milestone Achievement: Broward College Associate's Degree Graduate, 2020
In 2021, I transferred to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to pursue my Bachelor's degree. At FAU, I continued to focus on marketing, complemented by minors in entrepreneurship and digital marketing. Outside the classroom, I actively engaged in campus life. I worked as an orientation leader during summer and fall semesters. Although I faced setback with rejection from a coveted on-campus marketing position in the spring semester, I remain resilient and committed to achieving my academic and professional goals. Ultimately, my dedication and perseverance paid off, culminating in my graduation from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Bailey Bender 2023, FAU Bachelor’s Graduation
After earning my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and minors in Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing, I faced a daunting reality. Despite my academic achievements, I struggled to secure employment, a common obstacle for 80-90% of autistic individuals.
Undeterred, I persevered through numerous interviews, exploring various opportunities, including fast food establishments. Although these efforts didn't yield immediate success, my resilience and determination remain unwavering as I continue navigating the job market and pursuing paths aligned with my passions and skills. Instead, I saw an opportunity to forge my own path and create a business that aligns with my passions and take the future into my own hands.
I established Benderstar Digital, an autistic-owned business, driven by a passion to blend empowering autism awareness messages with creative expression. Through self-directed learning, I leveraged my marketing background and artistic enthusiasm to acquire graphic design and digital art skills, while my family guided me in mastering sublimation techniques. Although the learning process had its ups and downs, and mistakes were made along the way, perseverance and patience ultimately refined my abilities, bringing this vision to life.
A faded mousepad along the learning process
Throughout my journey, sublimation emerged as a transformative outlet, merging art and autism advocacy. Employment challenges sparked a purpose-driven venture, Benderstar Digital, an autistic-owned business combining marketing expertise, artistic flair, and advocacy. Here, creativity transforms into empowering messages on products like mugs and tumblers, featuring inspirational quotes such as "Autism: Where Small Things are Big Celebrations" and "Autism Is Not a Tragedy, Running Out of Coffee Is." At Benderstar Digital, design expertise converges with autism advocacy, fostering acceptance, inclusion, and challenging stereotypes to celebrate autistic excellence, empower individuals and families, and promote inclusive business practices, ultimately inspiring neurodiversity celebration and acceptance.
Can Cooler - Autism Inspiring Endless Possibilities, a successful sublimation print
My autism journey has been a transformative odyssey of self-discovery, resilience, and determination. From the initial diagnosis at age two to establishing Benderstar Digital, every challenge and triumph has shaped me into the passionate autism advocate I am today. Through my experiences, I've learned that autism is not a limitation, but a unique perspective that fuels creativity and innovation. Benderstar Digital represents more than just a business – it symbolizes empowerment, inclusion, and celebration of autistic excellence. I remain committed to inspiring neurodiversity acceptance, empowering individuals and families, promoting inclusive practices, and challenging stereotypes. My story serves as a testament to the potential within every autistic individual, demonstrating that with perseverance, support, and passion, we can overcome obstacles, forge our paths, and create meaningful impact.
