Black and ethnic-minority families affected by autism are to take part in a national conference in Bradford to help shape services.

The National Autistic Society (NAS), the leading charity for people with autism, has organised the event in partnership with the Afiya Trust, a London-based charity, to bring together black and ethnic-minority families affected by autism and the professionals who support them.

The NAS has found that the uptake of its advice and support services does not reflect the ethnic mix of the population and the conference aims to tackle this issue.

Parents and carers will be able to put their point of view across to professionals from education, health and social services.

They will be able to explain what their needs are and any barriers they may have to accessing services. Profession-als who support people with autism will be able to learn about the cultural needs of the diverse communities and be able to explain what help is currently available for people on the autistic spectrum.

Speakers will include parents, Dr Shripathi Upadhyaya, a consultant clinical psychologist, David Riley, project manager from Bradford and District Autistic Support Group, and Prithvi Perepa, black and minority ethnic development officer for the NAS.

The event, at the Midland Hotel in Bradford tomorrow, will include workshops on topics such as moving away from 'one fit' services, working with the individual and creating awareness within the black and ethnic minority communities.

Prithvi Perepa said: "We have gathered knowledge about the experiences of families coming from these communities and built relationships with community organisations.

"We are now ready to take our work a step further and offer specialist advice for families and communities affected by autism who have been reluctant to address the problem due to lack of understanding and support."

The conference is being backed by Seema Bowri, an actor from ITV drama The Bill.

She said: "My brother has autism and I have spent most of my adult life fighting on his behalf for the right care package, the right resources to help and develop his needs and the right specialised caring individuals who can understand and work with him.

"As a member of the Asian community I know that people with autism and their families may face stigma or feel embarrassed because the close-knit community around them may feel uncomfortable about having an open dialogue on the disability."

For information about the conference or if you would like to attend contact the NAS conference team on 0115 911 3360 or email conference@nas.org.uk