Appeal for help

Asperger's syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder which affects a person's ability to recognise the emotions, feelings and thoughts of others.

It is a neurological dysfunction and is currently thought to affect 1% of the population.Recent research suggests that 80% of marriages where one partner has Asperger's syndrome end in divorce, and often impaired parenting skills are also involved.

As this condition is still not widely recognised or understood, it is very difficult to find solicitors with enough knowledge who can act for either partner, inform court welfare officers and judges, and be aware of the future implications.A list of solicitors qualified to help in these circumstances would be of great benefit and such information would be shared with all Asperger syndrome support groups.

The Web site for families of adults afflicted with Asperger's syndrome (www.faaas.org) has a wealth of information for anybody intrigued to find out more.

Would people interested in being involved with such a list please contact me.

Brenda Wall, chairwoman, Asperger Backup Campaign, Bournemouth