British naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham has been appointed as an ambassador for the National Autistic Society.

Packham, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2005, commented 'I’m very pleased to be an ambassador for the National Autistic Society to help increase understanding of autism. Without honest discussion no positive progress will be made and people will continue to face unnecessary challenges. But thankfully, these are progressive times and there is more engagement than ever, much of that thanks to the charity. My ambition is to work with The National Autistic Society to give hope to often isolated and depressed young people who deserve to live fulfilled lives in a world that understands and appreciates their unique way of seeing things'.