THE letter from Bishop Auckland BNP prospective parliamentary candidate Adam Walker, headed “Islamised Britain” (HAS, Nov 5), in which he suggests “political correctness is a form of autism”, is extremely unhelpful and, indeed, offensive on a number of levels.

Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition which affects more than half a million people in the UK. To use the terms as a criticism, for dramatic effect or to try and gain political advantage, only perpetuates the confusion, misunderstanding and discrimination that people with autism have to cope with every day.

The National Autistic Society is keen to address this issue, in order that these terms are not used lightly, particularly by commentators or people in positions of power or influence. This is simply unacceptable and must stop.

Benet Middleton, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, National Autistic Society, London.

ADAM Walker’s reference to political correctness as a form of autism (HAS, Nov 5) was totally inappropriate.

Autism is a serious condition that has a profound affect not only on sufferers, but also on their relatives and carers. To use autism in an attempt to prove a point in a political argument is wrong.

The tone of Mr Walker’s letter seems to imply that people with autism are inferior and have a lower intelligence level than people without autism, which is certainly not the case.

As a prospective parliamentary candidate, Mr Walker should really choose his words more carefully.

David Lowdon, Sunnybrow, Crook, Co Durham.