A working art studio has been set up in Bradford for people suffering from Asperger's Syndrome.

The aim of the scheme is to teach social skills to people with this misunderstood condition, a form of autism.

At the studio at the Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham, a group of eight people with Asperger's Syndrome is working three days a week to build up a stock of hand-made paper, decorative candles and pottery which will soon go on sale.

There are an estimated 1,600 people with Asperger's Syndrome in Bradford - although many may not have been diagnosed.

People with the condition lack social skills and graces. Although often desperate to get things right, they are poor communicators, show a lack of empathy and find it difficult to form friendships.

They are frequently misdiagnosed and instead are believed to be suffering from mental illness or simply showing odd behaviour.

Sacar, the Bradford support group for people with Asperger's, has been running evening classes in social skills since October and has now expanded its services thanks to a £35,000 grant from the Bradford City Primary Care Trust.

Linda Keeble, the co-ordinator, said: "We keep the group small because a lot of our members couldn't tolerate a lot of noise.

"Having employment empowers these people greatly. My dream is to see them earning wages, as other people do."

She said she hoped the members of the group would gain confidence and learn new social skills that would enable them to move on and get other jobs.

"You can't generalise about people with Asperger's Syndrome because they are individuals and react differently, but a big problem is that they tend to take comments literally and can't understand a sense of humour," Mrs Keeble said.

"They spend the whole time trying desperately to get it right. They can stand far too close to people, not realising it can be intimidating - they are just keen to hear what you are saying to them. But it is possible to teach people."

Michael Sheard, 21, from East Bowling, a member of the group, said: "It's good for me to come here - it's like a living. If I wasn't here, I'd be walking around town looking for a job, or sitting at home watching the telly. We're hoping to start selling the stuff, which will be good."