Also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Sunday has received the support of Prime Minister David Cameron.

He said: “I would like to express my support for Autism Sunday. As many as one in a hundred people could be affected by some form of autism and it is important that we recognise and raise awareness of the difficulties and challenges that they can face.”

Autism Sunday was founded in 2002 by Ivan and Charika Corea, whose 15-year-old son has autism.

They had the opportunity to present Jose Henriquez, one of the 33 miners rescued from a collapsed mine last year, with an autism awareness ribbon during his visit to All Saints Woodford Wells in London on Sunday.

Henriquez was at the church as part of his tour of England during which he spoke to crowds about the powerful presence of God with the men in the mine and the amazing miracle he performed in allowing them to be rescued.

Ivan Corea said: “Jose Henriquez shared a wonderful message of hope. Autism is a 24 hour job. We face daily struggles. It’s like being in a mine and what Jose Henriquez shared was hope – don’t give up.

“We urge cathedrals and churches of all denominations to celebrate the lives of all children and adults with autism on Sunday 13 February.”