A unique collection of work by adults with autism, providing fascinating individual insights into what it is like to live with the condition, will be showcased in a free London exhibition as part of a creativity competition launched by The National Autistic Society (NAS). Art, photography, poetry and prose by the winning and shortlisted entrants will be displayed from 24th - 28th February at The Galleria Pall Mall.

Winning works were chosen by expert judges in each category including, political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, international photographer Rankin and renowned poets Wendy Cope and Lachlan McKinnon along with adults with autism with a link to the chosen art form.

The pieces in the exhibition will be displayed alongside comments from the artists, photographers and writers, who are all affected by autism in different ways, revealing the wide range of experiences of people with this much misunderstood condition. The exhibition forms part of the NAS I Exist campaign, which found that many adults with autism are prevented from reaching their full potential due to a lack of support. The works are a real testament to the contribution adults with autism have to give. Many are powerfully expressed and consider how a condition which affects the way people communicate with and relate to the world can provide an interesting and unusual perspective.

Mark Lever, NAS Chief Executive, said; "There are over half a million people with autism in the UK - that's 1 in 100 - and many adults with autism tell us how important art and creativity are in their lives. The variety and quality of the work on show is just incredible and we hope this exhibition will bring home to Government, local authorities and the general public just some of the realities faced by people with autism across the UK today."

An online gallery of the work carried in the exhibition will be available at www.think-differently.org.uk.The Galleria Pall Mall, 30 Royal Opera Arcade, London, SW1Y 4UY is open 10am-7pm (Tues, Weds, Fri), 10am-4pm (Thurs), and 9am-5pm (Sat).

On the 26th February at the Galleria Pall Mall there will also be an auction of works by some of Britain's top artists with a link to autism, with all proceeds going to the NAS. This includes pieces by Steven Wiltshire, Charles Burns, David Downes and Rozagy, tickets are £20 including a drinks and canapé reception and absentee bidding is available, visit http://www.autism.org.uk/auctionforautism for further information.

- I Exist is the second stage of the think differently about autism campaign launched in October 2007, aiming to increase understanding among the public, professionals and Government, so that people with autism get the services and support they need.

- Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

- Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website http://www.autism.org.uk.

For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK's most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit http://www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.

http://www.autism.org.uk