[Bobbi]

I can't address most of what is posted in this thread. First: I've not read each post thoroughly enough to think I'm okay to do so.

But, an aspect of this thread I can address relates to the creation and participation in Brigadoon and as someone whom has been dx'd with AS (Asperger's Syndrome).

It's sorta like I'm sitting here asking myself: Why can't people understand? But, I get it. It's akin to trying to relay how it feels to have allergies to someone whom has never felt the ill-effects.

I've layed low during so much of the discussions about BT during its downtime. What's been important is that I know how I feel about BT and what it has meant to me.

When it comes to Brigadoon and SL (SecondLife), I'm gonna say: AS is much more than just a social disorder. As an adult I was dx'd. I had ample time to "acclimate" to queues - signals or subtle things people did. Smile when others speak, laugh when I didn't get the "punch lines" of jokes (and mostly ones that seemed to drag on for an eternity), etc. I also learned that people think that if one cannot look another in the eyes, some take that as a sign of "lying." But... did those same people whom suggest folks are lying ever stop to think about how Asperger's adversely affects the people living with it? Non-direct eye contact does not make all liars. It could be that the discomfort level is so unbearable that one just cannot do it. The work-around for people with AS? There are several, but... looking at the bridge of another's nose kinda helps .

What does SL do? How does it help? Why would anyone participate?

It afforded me a level ground: Engaging with people who understand Asperger's and without being ostracized as a result. It is avatars, symbolizing living beings, that interact on a social level. People, and there are real people behind each AV created, are not being judged based on the same superficial things as in RL (real life). Because it is an interactive medium, people feel "heard." There is just so much negativity in life, and, quite frankly, I've not felt nearly the same level while participating in SL. An avatar is skin. And... SL is more than "skin" deep.

As it was/is/remains: So many people fear being "Labelled." I get why. I was dx'd and that was a good day in my life. No longer were doctors trying to medicate away something and take away what has been a staple of my life and my living. Some know Asperger's as a "Geek" syndrome. Whatever anyone wants to call it, fine by me... as long as the stigma is lifted - even gradually.

I posted a plethora of links in the Autism Forum (here) about adult AS. I somehow doubt many have visited the sites. It's clear.