Peter A, i am sorry such bad things you've had to endure. I have not had a very nice year either. I know autistic people and they are wonderful. I never treated them any different. If you can live in a house with 13 people all talking at once, nothing would ever bother you! I have an older sister Bipolar. I have another Manic frantic AAA personality, super hyper to the max. I have a cousin who is paranoid schzhoidphrenic, a couple siblings who are alcoholics and etc. We all managed under that roof. My mom had two nervous breakdowns. I am sharing all this to tell you, we have to live the life that we are dealt to live. It is all about attitude. Don't give up on people and their stories. They are there to help others going through the same. You are here for a purpose and i am glad you are a part of PC. Keep posting. You do have something to offer to others. tc