A SWINDON charity is hoping to uncover the hidden suffering of people with Asperger's Syndrome.

The charity, Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness (Dash), has put together an information pack with a £500 grant from the Mid-Counties Co-operative.

The booklet, which was launched at the charity's base in Victoria Road yesterday, gives a range of information about the autism condition.

Anne Billingham, honorary secretary of Dash, said: "In a town the size of Swindon there will be about 700 people with Asperger's.

"We are hoping to provide support for three key groups.

"They include young people who have been diagnosed but do not have support, and those people receiving mental health support who do not need it.

"There are also people who have not been diagnosed and do not receive support."

Dash was founded in August and has been granted funds to survey the need for Asperger's support in Swindon.

Anne, 54, said: "We have plenty of people with Asperger's who have made careers in the town and we want to get the message across to employers that people with Asperger's make great workers.

"They are extremely loyal and have a tremendous capacity for work, provided they can be catered for a few simply procedures.

"For instance, simply writing down instructions for the job can make all the difference between someone panicking and calmly doing their job."

Sally Grubb works with Support for Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome (SCAAS) in the same building.

She has a son and a daughter who both have Asperger's, so knows what their lifestyle requires.

Sally said: "They are highly intellectual people who lack the ability to read non-verbal communication.

"It is amazing to see through their eyes just how much of our language is based upon movements and pauses.

"The neurological map of someone with Asperger's means that they will always find it difficult to make friends, but they can communicate with others using computers."

Over the coming months the volunteers at Dash will speak to people with Asperger's to ask them what support they want in the town.

Anne said: "We want to make sure that the service we provide is based upon what people have asked for, rather than what we have assumed."

To get hold of the leaflet or to find out more information about the Dash charity, ring 01793 436174.