All her life, Abby Waller, freshman, has been the younger sister.  Stacy Waller, senior, has been the older sister.

The two, in many ways, enjoy a normal sisterhood. Abby Waller said they enjoy watching TV together. Stacy even taught Abby to sew.

But their relationship isn’t quite that simple. Stacy Waller is autistic.

“She’s basically stuck in her own little world,” Abby Waller said. “She doesn’t learn the same way we do.”

This is Abby Waller’s first year of high school, but also her first year attending the same school as her sister Stacy Waller. Stacy Waller is in Special Education classes.

In the past, Abby Waller has had issues with her peers giving her a hard time about her sister.

“I was a little worried,” Abby Waller said. “But I haven’t had any problems.”

Abby Waller said she admits that, in many cases, their roles are reversed as a result of Stacy’s condition. Abby Waller feels like the older sister.

“When mom and dad aren’t around,” Abby Waller said. “I watch out for her.”

Abby said her family tries to be as supportive as possible about Stacy Waller’s condition.

“We write her little notes at home,” Abby Waller said. “And we do what she wants to do. We go to therapy sessions.”

Though Abby Waller said she and Stacy Waller were closer when they were younger, the two do still enjoy a healthy relationship.

“I haven’t seen her a lot at school,” Abby Waller said. “I wish I could see her more.”