i am so sorry to hear that. people can be so mean. it confuses me that people can be so mean to others. my motto in life is basically: don't be mean. it seems so simple. but the world has so much hurt all around. know that you have support from friends here. it can be so hard to let those hurtful words just roll off our backs. sometimes that might be the best way to deal... just letting it pass you by for the moment. don't let those words stick. other times, maybe a little humor will diffuse the situation. i think sometimes taking a moment to think up a few good phrases - intriguing or strange as they may be - to just distract from the hurting words. change the framework - it's not just that you may have unique challenges, you also have unique and special gifts and talents. that is important. your self is so important, your whole system matters and is important. you don't deserve to be treated any less than the beautiful whole person you are. you're great. take care.