David Robinson has Aspergers Syndrome and in partnership with The SLC Group and the National Autistic Society recently appeared on Radio Lancashire to raise awareness of Autism though his paintbrush. Here he tells his story.

"I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in 2006. Aspergers is in the Autistic spectrum - it is complicated, but basically means we can have high intelligence, but lose out when it comes to other things, like social interaction. What is important is that I learn as much as I can about my condition. I have read a lot about Aspergers Syndrome and Autism and my main priority is to understand what it is and what it means for me.

"I receive support from The SLC Group. They provide me with several hours support throughout the week. Staff who support me don't steer what I do, but they do give me helpful taps and nudges of support which I think is key to my progression. This means the stage I'm at in my life now is very positive and I have a lot to aim for in the future.

"Having Aspergers has never held me back and I would say that is has opened more doors than it has closed. I love to be kept busy and I am not the kind of person to sit around all day and wait for things to happen. I believe you should go out there and get what you want. My main focus is finding things in my life to enjoy and living the best possible life I can.

"Since Christmas I have been involved in an art group called "Art 4 U" which is aimed at individuals, who like me, have mental health issues. Over time I have developed my skills and would now call myself a modern artist - using pallet knives to produce paintings.

"Last month I was given the opportunity to exhibit my art work at BBC Radio Lancashire's studios in Blackburn as part of their recent initiative to raise awareness of Autism in Lancashire. As part of this I was joined on live radio with Rosalyn Lord from The National Autistic Society and Lyndsay Milne from The SLC Group to help raise awareness of Autism, to let them know what services are available for people with Autism and to give listeners the opportunity to find out more about my art exhibition.

"BBC Radio Lancashire reckoned that around 20,000 people tuned into the radio broadcast and many compliments have been paid by staff and visitors to the art exhibition. My paintings were the "cheese in the trap" †and I am delighted that people will have seen my work and at the same time we also raised awareness of Autism and the services that are out there for people like me.

"In July I took two of the paintings that took part in the Radio Lancashire exhibition to Blackburn Library in conjunction with the "Art 4 U" group exhibition. I have really enjoyed the experience and I hope it will be the first of many appearances on Radio and/or TV campaigning for disability rights and responsibilities.

I also became a member of The National Autistic Society in 2008 and they have successfully launched a bill called "I Exist" to improve rights and services for Adults with Autism. I recently visited the main centre for The National Autistic Society in London and they gave me lots of useful advice and tips about Aspergers and what I can do to get more involved in campaigning."

• To find out more about The National Autistic Societies Campaign "I Exist" click here

• David is currently working with Voice Social Marketing as one of the course facilitators on the upcoming Arts, Creativity & Empowerment Course.