Please could the moderators look at strategies to prevent this site being invaded by trolls/flamers.
I fear this site may be vulnerable simply because it may be difficult to distinguish someone with real issues (owing to the nature of ASD and associated conditions) from people coming on because this discussion group might provide entertainment.
Flamers tend to post something provocative, or respond to existing dialogue in a provocative way. This is sometimes referred to as "flamebait". We need guidance how best to avoid "taking the bait" - that is responding in such a way that the flamer gets his "kicks" (adrenalin rush) from escalating and escalating an argument.
Most web discussion groups have this problem, and particularly chat room where the exchanges are more spontaneous. I feel the time has come when the moderators need to provide guidance.
We are likely to get several flamers watching the turmoil each other creates, and sometimes working together. However we may also get single flamers having multiple profile names.
It is relatively easy to find a script on this website or another website addressing autism, and create a little personal story. They may have a different story for each profile name, each with the potential to cause a stir. They will look for people who react easily and are entertaining, and they may develop names/scripts to suit their targets.
Sadly there are people who get their fun as trolls/flamers. I suspect rather than being poor socialisers or bored kids, they are most likely to get an addiction for doing it. Starting a row generates a high, and they then want more and more highs. Flamers coming on here will be going on numbers of web site discussion boards and chat rooms.
It is unfortunate but I think we now need to be prepared for this happening.