A Sheffield professor is appealing for people who think they suffer from Asperger's Syndrome to contact him.

It is believed that one person in every 250 could have the condition sometimes called autism, or pervasive developmental disorder.

People with Asperger's have difficulty in expressing their thoughts and feelings through their tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures.

Professor Digby Tantam, who is from Sheffield University's School of Health and Related Research and an honorary consultant psychiatrist at Community Health Sheffield NHS Trust, said sufferers may not know they have the condition.

Interview problem

He said: "We are mounting a city-wide exercise to raise the awareness of autistic spectrum disorders."

One of the professor's patients, PJ, a data entry officer, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome three years ago.

He said: "Digby has helped me to come to terms with what I've got.

"In the past I have had the qualifications for jobs but I have been turned down for them.

"Because of Asperger's Syndrome my interview technique isn't a strong point. That's been one of the biggest difficulties I've had to face."

The professor hopes his study of the condition will lead to earlier diagnosis.