Christine McGuinness reveals 'exhausting' fight for her children after Paddy divorce
Christine McGuinness received her autism and ADHD diagnosis four years ago and has since become a fierce advocate for other neurodiverse families. The former Pilgrimage star, who separated from her comedian husband Paddy McGuinness in 2022, says she'll never stop fighting to make the world a better place for people like her and three autistic children, twins Leo and Penelope, 12, and eight-year-old Felicity.
Speaking exclusively to OK!, 37-year-old Christine said: "I try not to look too far ahead because it upsets me. I have to separate being a carer and a mum. I'll take my emotions out of it as a mum, and become a carer. I've got to make sure my children have help and support, and help people understand the need to be patient, to celebrate and support them. I'm not the only autistic mum with autistic children — there are thousands of families with exactly the same fears."
Christine is currently working with home builders Barratt Redrow, who have committed to building 100 new accessible and inclusive play areas every year.
'I'm raising three children to one day live without me, and those are three children I can't live without, and that breaks my heart. But it's what makes me keep going and keep fighting. I feel extremely fortunate that I can try and help make changes that other people don't even think about.
'As a mum of three autistic children I know the struggle of trying to find places that are suitable for them. Not just suitable because of what there is to play with, but spaces where they feel safe, wanted and understood."
Heartbreakingly, Christine said she feels like a "failure" when she's not able to give her autistic children the same experiences as some other families.
"You feel like a failure when you're not getting your children out and about enough, and your children aren't picking up social cues, and learning to play with others and communicate."
Christine first spoke out about her experiences in the BBC documentary she made with her then husband Paddy, titled Paddy And Christine McGuinness: Our Family And Autism, and delved into the subject further in Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism.
Her overall goal, she says, is to spread awareness, increase education and, ultimately, make the world a more accepting place for every neurodiverse child and adult.
"As a parent you do anything to support them so they can grow up as independent as possible," she added.
"You'll always find a brick wall that you want to bash down and you get to a point where you're exhausted – but the fight for your children never, ever stops."
UK housebuilder Barratt Redrow has committed to delivering up to 100 new accessible and inclusive play areas a year, ensuring play for all children is the standard, not the exception. Find out more at barrattredrow.co.uk/playmaking
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