During a debate on the subject in the House of Lords, Bishop Packer pointed to a “lightness of spirit about many of those with autism that can put our over-frenetic and over-fearful culture to shame” and called for people with the condition to be better appreciated.

He said: “I know full well that that appreciation will come only if government and others develop greater understanding of autism within our culture. “There can be a lack of communication skills and a hypersensitivity that lead other people to find those with autism awkward and demanding.

“There is often a need for rest and a lack of sudden movement, which is not confined to those with autism but is typical of them.

“I hope that the Government will respond by giving specific help in the benefits system and in the disability Act and by helping to spread understanding of autism and an affirmation of the qualities that those with autism could bring to our culture, if only we were prepared to let them.”

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