The Interview process is stressful for every candidate, no matter the outcome. But for people with autism, it can be the biggest barrier to getting into work.

A recent study found that just 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time work, while 32 per cent are in any kind of paid work at all.

And for Charlie Gingell, a 20-year-old from Yeovil and a young ambassador for the National Autistic Society, the figures are all too familiar.

“I just want to find myself a job and be useful, but when I try to apply for a job everything just goes wrong and I find it all very confusing,” he said.

Fed up with his current options, Charlie and fellow ambassador, Ralph Hemus, have given their support to a national campaign to raise awareness of the difficulties autistic people face in trying to get a job.

The pair were invited to Parliament for the charity’s launch of its new campaign: “Too Much Information – Closing The Autism Employment Gap”, and had the opportunity to talk to MPs and disability campaigners about their personal struggles.

Charlie said: “I get worried and anxious about filling in application forms and taking part in interviews and need employers to be more understanding.”

Deborah Gingell, Charlie’s mum, said it is vital that employers get to know the fantastic contribution that adults on the autistic spectrum can offer as an employee.

“The aim of this campaign is to make employers aware of this great untapped source within the workplace, and to improve public understanding of autism as it is a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people and families across the country.

“We hope that employers will be encouraged to find out more about the campaign and to take the initiative and think about offering somebody with autism a job.”

Ralph added: “Being able to work is a lifeline for autistic people, many of whom are very isolated socially.”