A young autism campaigner will appear on a television show tonight to talk about how the public can ‘change their mindsets’ about the condition.

Autism advocate Jack Welch, 24, from Weymouth, is a member of Ambitious about Autism’s youth council, and will make an appearance on Are You Autistic? which airs on Channel 4.

Jack is involved with different organisations and is a regular contributor to the Dorset Echo Voices page.

Last year he was recognised for his efforts to increase awareness of autism when he was presented with a national award.

The documentary he features in looks at different aspects of autism with Jack and other youth council members and is aimed at helping to debunk common misconceptions and stereotypes.

Programme makers invited members of the youth council to play a key role – ensuring the experience of young people with autism is represented throughout the documentary.

Jack said: “I raised my alarm at the working title of ‘How Autistic are You?’ and sent a letter to the producers behind the show. They then came to a youth council meeting to discuss our concerns and the opportunities followed afterwards.”

He added: “The highlight for me was being able to share insights and experiences with other members of the Ambitious about Autism youth council on the programme.

“I hope the documentary will give a nuanced and supportive view of autism, in all its diversity and how we need to change our mindsets about the condition.”

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism, and its youth council leads the charity’s campaigning work, ensuring the views and experiences of children and young people with autism are heard.

Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “We’re hugely proud of the key role our youth council members have played in shaping and developing this documentary, which will bring greater understanding and awareness of autism to a wide audience.

“The views and experiences of young people with autism are often underrepresented in the media so it’s fantastic that our youth panel members have used this platform to speak out together and engage others.”

Are You Autistic? will air on Channel 4 at 10pm tonight (Weds).