MP Mark Oaten joined staff from Hampshire Autistic Society on the steps of Winchester Guildhall to launch the Hampshire leg of a campaign to have learning difficulties in children recognised.

They donned campaign T-shirts bearing a special logo to launch 'Ain't Misbehavin' which is being supported by dozens of charities nationwide.

The scheme aims to highlight the problems many families who have children with autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD and other learning difficulties, face.

Community fundraiser for Whiteley based charity Hampshire Autistic Society, Sally Stemp, said: "The idea of it is to make people aware that these children have a disability. They are not just misbehaving.

"We've found lately that there's generally a lack of tolerance among people.

"The parents of these children are not bad parents and their children are not naughty. These are disabilities we are dealing with, not antisocial or disruptive behaviour.

"We hope to change the public perception of what is antisocial behaviour."

The campaign is aimed at politicians, police officers and teachers.

MP for Winchester Mr Oaten is backing the campaign.

He said: "Each month in my surgeries I meet parents of children with autism and know that the more people aware of the problems in the system, in particular in education, the better.

"I am delighted to support the Ain't Misbehaving scheme and congratulate the Hampshire group for all the work they have done in this area."

As part of the drive, a conference in London aimed at changing attitudes to children and young people with learning difficulties is being hosted by the British Institute for Brain Injured Children.

Staff from Hampshire Autistic Society will be handing out badges, T-shirts and leaflets at a number of fundraising events during their awareness month in May.