Christine McGuinness – the wife of Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness – has opened up on her autism, admitting she has "found her own identity" and "masks a lot" to feel like she fits in.
The Real Full Monty star, 34, has become a spokesperson for many on social media since being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia.
And now, in a new documentary, Christine will be uncovering the huge difference in the number of men that get diagnosed with autism, compared with the number of women.
Christine – who is mum to twins Penelope and Leo, eight, and six year old Felicity – shared the news of her upcoming BBC documentary as Paddy, 48, sparked concern that he and his wife have "split".
"I am so excited to announce that I am filming a new documentary with @bbc. Christine McGuinness: The Secret World of Autistic Women and Girls," she wrote. "My diagnosis was such a positive thing personally and a huge relief. Finally I understand myself and my own identity so much more now."
She admitted: "I am aware that I ‘mask’ a lot, I try to fit in, I copy others and this is something I really want people to understand as this behaviour is often found in autistic people but more so women and girls."
⠀
Christine explained a bit more about the documentary, as she shared: "The hour-long BBC documentary will unravel the untold story of how autism in women and girls has been ignored and misunderstood by science and society – often seen as something mostly affecting men.
⠀
"I believe that my younger life could have been very different if I had been better understood during my school years.
"Roughly 1% of the UK population, or an estimated 700,000 people, are diagnosed as autistic, which means your brain works in a different way to other people’s, and can impact how you interact with the world."⠀
The mum of three finished off by thanking everyone for the support, writing: "Thank you all so much for the love and support you have shown me and my family so far. I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity."
It wasn't long before Christine's celebrity pals Alex Scott and Chloe Burrows waded in with supportive comments.
Love Island star Faye Winter posted underneath: "Proud to know such an inspirational woman," while one fan said: "Oh my God this is so amazing well done you … smashing life."
It comes after Christine's husband Paddy sparked concern about his marriage, as it appears he's removed a heart-shaped tattoo he got in tribute to his wife.
After Christine ventured out to Croatia on a solo holiday, the presenter was seen on Chris Baber's Instagram in a short clip holding up a canned drink – but his heart tattoo was nowhere to be seen.
Paddy originally got the tattoo after losing his wedding ring twice since they married back in 2011.
When the Take Me Out host first got inked, Christine wrote on Instagram: "My wonderful husband Paddy McGuinness lost his wedding ring… again… on our family holiday about two months ago.
“He still hasn't replaced it but today he is forgiven because he's wearing a T-shirt with my picture on. #Over12years #StillStrong #HeHasItTattooedAnyway!”
READ NEXT:
Paddy McGuinness sparks Christine split rumours as he appears to remove heart tattoo tribute
Christine McGuinness breaks silence over solo holiday without husband Paddy
Inside Christine McGuinness' sun-soaked Croatia trip with friends as she defends solo holiday
'My autism diagnosis at 37 changed my life for the better – I now accept the real me'
For the latest gossip and spoilers, sign up to one stop for all OK! news
Source: Read Full Article
