^ That photo is not directly related to this article. But it's pretty, feels motivational, and caught my attention. I hope it does the same for you.
I recently had the pleasure of getting a copy of the New Scientist article titled "Internet Levels Playing Field for People with Autism", which I was interviewed for. While I can't reproduce it as-is due to copyright issues, that's a link to a text-only version of the article. The nice layout and pictures aren't included, so you'll have to guess what it looked like when Celeste Biever interviewed me @ my inworld office at Watermelinden Land, but in any case, I'm happy she took the time to let me tell my tale.
I was also browsing on Wrong Planet, one of the Internet's biggest (correct me if I'm wrong) Asperger syndrome & autism communities, and came across a thread mentioning this article. I feel like yet another circle has come full; I was an early member of Wrong Planet, and it's grown phenomenally since the last almost-3 years since I posted on their forums.
Before I go on, let me make it clear how much I've enjoyed working @ Linden Lab, makers of Second Life, and how diverse the people that constitute our "Linden family" are — from what I understand, we've got a high percentage of women in important roles, and we're also LGBT-friendly. Apparently we've been recognized as a pioneer on this, and several other employment fronts. I'll leave up it to my esteemed coworkers if they want to share their experiences; of course, from what I've gone through, I've learned that having Asperger syndrome is not a blocker either, and I continue to grow each day.
I used to bring up AS at every opportunity I could, but I don't feel so much a need for it now. Not that it's any less important, but because it's become less of an issue, a challenge for me. My driving motivation to put more of myself out there in the word has done a lot for me. For example, I made Video Tutorials to teach, and to improve my self-confidence in how I present my passions, and in retrospect, it's clear I'm having a good time sharing with you. 
However, I recognize many misconceptions about what to expect from autistics still exist, including negative stereotypes which threaten to limit their opportunities and even confine them to archetypical roles when each individual is capable of so much more. This is true for all humanity, and precisely why I hope I can do my part to be a living example of what I believe to be good, pure, and true. And that "Aspies" out there and their loved ones can read this and relate, and gosh, yes, there are a lot of things wrong in the world…
But if you carry what's right, why not distribute it? If you have AS, a lot of the "usual" ways of how humans do things and go about their lives aren't going to be for you — which is precisely why I've gravitated so extravagantly towards the Internet, and Second Life specifically. These means become a magnifying lens, a useful tool for your self-expression, an earnest gateway to seek support and affect your fellow human beings positively. And I couldn't say this years ago, yet today, I'm living proof.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I don't have to tell you that you are one of the most, if not *by far the most* popular staff at LL. And, like my old friend Peter who always said that his physical handicaps brought him a lot of good (like being the exchange student with a Parisian school for example – clearly the school chose him as a poster boy for their … umm shall we say adaptiveness), you could say that you have Asperger to thank for it – and I certainly don't mean to be rude or insensitive. Whereas other Lindens are sometimes businesslike, careful with their words, maybe even defending company policies despite themselves, you remain so much more your own person. Yes, you "whirl from one delightfully unrelated topic to the next", but that's what makes meeting you less of a board meeting and more of a real experience.
Keep up the splendid work you do for all of us Torley. You have my utmost respect and I know I am certainly not the only one.
I like the plant analogy – many of us require different kinds of soil, different amounts of water and sunlight for us to be at our best. What one flourishes in may stunt or even kill another.
We're luckier though; we can move around and find what's best for us.
You bloom outrageously, Torley!
Thank you so much, both of you!
@Laetizia: While "popularity" isn't necessarily of importance to me, of course it feels good to be well-liked. When I was very young, I was very afraid of being forgotten or unmemorable, it's a theme which has followed me to this day. I can't make any claims other than "I am me".
@Storm: That analogy also gets me thinking about plants that grow through concrete. And I personally know of some by the garbage cans outside — what an adverse environment.
"To chat to Torley Wong is to whirl from one delightfully unrelated topic to the next. Within a few minutes we are discussing the video of him dancing on YouTube, what it is like to be bullied, and his recent joy at finding a clock in precisely the same colors as a watermelon, his favorite fruit."
That's what's so fun at you Office Hours too! We can discuss Retro computergames from 20 years ago and how we see SL 20 years from now. Or RL watermelons and SL Sculpted bananas.
Reading back the logs, it seems we're having three discussions at the same time, and imho, that is a Good Thing
@Daedalus: I seek to please. Seriously, I'm just thrilled you bring up your passions and I can relate and get sooo excited. I'm glad I started posting transcripts too; history needs to be archived. There are many tangents related and relevant to why people are in Second Life and what they enjoy which go understated… as you know, I like the word "eclectic", the best of multiple systems, and I hope to encourage more people to grow their own eclecticism. I sometimes feel like Jim Cramer of Mad Money fame with his rapid-fire reflexes, only I am more mellow and in the company of good avatars (surprisingly feeling closer than a phone call).
Hi Torley. I remember reading about your difficulties with certain sounds and it was why you are having problems being a musician.
I too have that problem with certain sounds and also have AS. I thought to myself, I wonder if this person is on the spectrum too. Well I guess you are.
@juju: Thanks for commenting! My problems with "certain sounds" came more recently; I haven't always had such sensitivities.