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Paddy McGuinness: 'Speaking about our twins' autism diagnosis helped us cope'

Stephanie Soteriou

Paddy McGuinness has opened up about his four-year-old twins’ autism, admitting that going public with the diagnosis has helped himself and his wife, Christine, cope.

The TV host has revealed that since speaking out about Penelope and Leo’s autism he has been inundated with “positive” messages from fans, as well as tips and advice on how to cope from other parents of autistic children.

Paddy McGuinness has updated fans. Copyright: [Rex]
Paddy McGuinness has updated fans. Copyright: [Rex]

Paddy previously confessed that he felt like he was “drowning” as he tried to parent the twins, with Christine also reading out a moving poem during an appearance on Loose Women.

Now the couple are coping much better, with Paddy telling the Daily Star: “Christine’s had a lot of people get in touch. It’s been fantastic. People have been really supportive. Anything like that has helped.

“To know you’ve got support and there are other people in the same boat and you’re not on your own really helps.”

Paddy also revealed that Penelope and Leo are thriving now that they are in school, adding: “They started school in September and they’re totally into that and they love it, which is great.”

Paddy’s wife Christine previously opened up about the twins’ diagnosis. Copyright: [ITV]
Paddy’s wife Christine previously opened up about the twins’ diagnosis. Copyright: [ITV]

Earlier this week Christine shared her delight at receiving a letter from a parent at the twins’ school who had offered an autism-friendly party so that the two children could attend.

The concerned parent asked whether there is anything that could be done to make their child’s birthday party more “comfortable” for Penelope and Leo, with Christine writing alongside the note: “Leo and Penelope have received many birthday party invitations in the past but have never been able to attend due to most party places being unsuitable for children with autism (play centres are the worst!).

“Yesterday we received a birthday invitation from another child at the twins new school and a letter from their parents asking if there was anything they could do at the party to make it more comfortable for the twins.

“For once we may be able to accept an invitation knowing that the parents and the child have some understanding of autism and the fact they have offered to create a quiet area in case Leo and Penelope need some time out is so considerate of them, I cried!

Paddy and Christine are trying to raise awareness. Copyright: [Rex]
Paddy and Christine are trying to raise awareness. Copyright: [Rex]

“I hope one day we live in a world where everyone understands autism and everyone is willing to make small changes to involve each other equally.”

Paddy and Christine have been married since 2011 and are also mum and dad to one-year-old Felicity.

Since Penelope and Leo’s diagnosis they have been working alongside the National Autistic Society to help raise autism awareness.

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