WORCESTER'S MP has delivered a powerful speech on autism - urging the nation to "do things differently" to help unleash their talents.

Robin Walker took part in a House of Commons debate about how the likes of jobseekers can help those "on the spectrum" by finding them work.

He also praised the massive strides made in recent years to accept autistic people, singling out the likes of Worcester cyber security firm Titania for "actively going out to recruit people with autism".

The Conservative also told fellow MPs that the Government can help by urging employers to create "autism-friendly" job application processes to take account of their differences.

He has also urged decision makers to pick up from the national charity 'Ambitious About Autism', formed by a group of north London mums which has made a huge difference in creating a more level playing field.

"In cyber-security, businesses such as Titania in Worcester are actively going out to recruit people with autism," he said.

"I want to see more businesses making that effort and creating opportunities for people.

"As 'Ambitious about Autism' has shown, we need to do things differently.

"People cannot just be invited in for interview, because the whole process of interview is set up to work with neuro-typical people.

"We need to create an autism-friendly job application process in order to make sure we are making the most of the talents of these people - I pay tribute to the businesses that are making the effort to do that."

He also told MPs he felt the Autism Act 2009, which gave autistic people a set of legally-binding rights, was only "the beginning of a journey".

Mr Walker said he wanted to "echo the concerns" about the "risks of social isolation" for people diagnosed with it,

He also mentioned the efforts being made in Worcester to help autistic people, including the Monday Night Club, founded by Laura Gill which helps people with learning difficulties - and the late Sarah Micklewright.

She died two years ago, aged 38 and was the founder of ASPIE, a social group for adults with Asperger's Syndrome and their families, having been diagnosed with the condition in her 20s.

Mr Walker said: "She died two years ago next week aged only 38, but she left a remarkable legacy in Worcester.

"It is a fantastic organisation that has played a part in not only helping to reduce the risk of social isolation, but inspiring people to come together and believe in themselves and in their capacity to work and to create businesses for people on the spectrum."