This week is World Autism Awareness Week and, to mark the occasion, UK broadcasters such as ITV are hoping to educate members of the public on a lifelong developmental disability which is often overlooked by the media.

Around one per cent of the UK population are estimated to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – a lifelong condition which affects communication, interaction and perception.

ITV is hoping to raise awareness of the difficulties that adults living with autism can sometimes face in the world of work.

The broadcaster says that very often, those living with autism will have a high level of intelligence, but can struggle with finding and maintaining employment without the correct support.

All week, ITV will be sharing the real stories of autistic adults living in the UK, charting their business and employment endeavours. The first selection of videos went online on Monday, and can be accessed here.

According to the National Autistic Society (NAS) a large number of people across the UK could be living with an ASD which has so far gone undiagnosed.

The NAS says that getting a timely diagnosis from a medical professional is often key in understanding the condition and accessing the correct support where necessary.

It adds that, without the right support and understanding of autism, families could run the risk of “being isolated and developing [other] mental health problems”.