I swear I came across a post where I could introduce myself... yet, now that I'm looking for it, it's no where to be seen. So, I'll do my introduction here:

I'm SmokingBeard. My friends just call me Tony. I'm 31 years old, and I live in England; I'm originally from South Africa.

I have Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism that impairs my social ability and makes it challenging to connect with others. It also affects my executive function, and a bunch of other areas of my life. Alongside that, I am profiled with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) which, in short, is: the anxiety driven need to be in control. The more I want something, or the more that is expected of me, the less likely I am to do it.

I wanted to create a safe space for myself to meet others and overcome those social challenges, without being judged for being different, or treated like I'm going to break. It's also a safe space for myself to move along life's race track at my own pace, and allow other's to join me should they wish.

I'm a gamer who's been gaming since the age of 6; Pentium Ones' were a thing. I started streaming in January 2020 to try and branch out to meet people, make new friends and overcome the various social difficulties that I have. I took a long break from June, and only returned earlier this year to try again.

I play a variety of games to help keep my mind engaged and to experience the ever growing world of gaming technology that is upon us. It's also an escape for myself, allowing a safe haven away from all the daily stresses that come with life and with my conditions.

I do enjoy playing with others, though I am particular of who I play with and generally stick to a small crowd. I am, however, open to meeting others and building new relationships.

I hope through my streaming and community that I'll be able to meet some interesting characters with whom I can eventually become friends, and in some way, shape or form, add value to their lives in return.

Lot's of Love,
Tony a.k.a @SmokingBeard