Ref. 12473/1WIDOW Glynis Johnston, whose son suffers from a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome, is appealing for help to set up sheltered employment centres for sufferers.

People with Asperger's Syndrome often have problems with social interaction, have repetitive behaviour patterns, and are sensitive to changes in their routine. The symptoms affect nearly 200,000 people in the UK.

The condition often makes it extremely difficult for sufferers to adapt to the workplace, but Mrs Johnston insists that, given the right environment, people with Asperger's Syndrome could become a valuable asset to the nation's workforce.

Mrs Johnstone said: "My vision is to create sheltered employment centres that would offer training in IT and life skills and give these people hope."

"It is possible that with the right training, the right type of work and in the right environment people with Asperger's Syndrome could not only have an occupation that will give them self-respect, but would also prove to be productive, valuable and skilled employees.

"Presently, there is no place that can offer the environment that will enable people with Asperger's Syndrome the opportunity to undertake work that is rewarding and fulfilling.

"These centres would help people who would otherwise be facing long- term unemployment, social exclusion and possible deterioration in mental health."

Mrs Johnston, 54, from Sutton Benger, said that people with Asperger's Syndrome have good memories and are able to focus their energy on specific and often monotonous tasks in great detail.

These strengths make them ideal for certain IT work, such as computer programming or data input, which many people find boring, she said.

Mrs Johnston, who is an architectural historian, said that IT work was ideal because sufferers would only have to deal with a computer screen and not the complexities of human behaviour, which they find hard.

She is confident that a feasibility study would support her vision and persuade organisations, including the Government and local councils, to tender work to the centres.

The mother-of-two was inspired to draw up the plans by the problems her son Giles, 32, has had to deal with.

She has widespread support from politicians, including MP for North Wiltshire James Gray, the All Party Group on Autism and the National Autistic Society.

But she has hit a brick wall because she does not have the resources to carry out a feasibility test on her own to prove to potential employers that the scheme is viable.

Now she is appealing for help to get the project off the ground, from parents with children who have the condition, IT trainers, people who may be able to offer computers or a safe environment where she can run the scheme, enough work for a one-year trial and financial backing.

If anyone can offer any help they should telephone Mrs Johnston on (01249) 720281.