Hexham autism group receives MPs' backing

He said: "I couldn't believe the reception we got. It was very exciting - absolutely jam-packed and with a lot of positivity about the campaign.

"I was, until recently, on incapacity benefit and I originally had to appeal to get that. I found it very difficult and distressing to wade through all the questionnaires, medicals and criteria, so I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who has communication and learning difficulties.

"The new ESA benefit, I believe, has a telephone-only method of claiming and that call can take up to 40 minutes, which would be an ordeal for someone with autism."

The NAS asked MPs to come forward and show their support, and mark their constituency on a map to show they are behind the campaign.

Although the campaign map had no marks from Northumberland, some simply had not heard about it or were unable to go, and Mr Ferrol's message was met with interest by the county's MPs.

MP for Hexham Peter Atkinson told Journal Extra: "I confess that I had never considered this matter before and it appears to be a real problem for certain people, particularly as the world relies more on the internet and phones that face-to-face meetings.

"I would be interested in hearing more about the case they're making and the problems that they face."

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell said: "My advice for the Hexham branch is to get on to the minister concerned and get him to meet them. We don't have any power."

MP for Berwick Sir Alan Beith has received more than a dozen letters from Northumbrians asking him to get behind the campaign. He said: "I believe it has the potential to have a significant impact on the lives of people with autism and their families."

Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy said he had been involved with trying to create an adult autism centre in the area and said: "I fully support the campaign - I wish them well and will do whatever I can."

The NAS says the benefits system is currently unsuitable for autism sufferers and does not meet their needs. For instance, some sufferers do not show many obvious outward symptoms, which does not fit in with the criteria used to decide whether they are fit to work.