Christine McGuinness has spoken of the emotionally draining journey of supporting a child through the long and difficult process of obtaining an autism diagnosis.
The model and TV personality, 36, shares three children with TV presenter ex-husband Paddy McGuinness, including 10-year-old twins Penelope and Leo, and seven-year-old Felicity – all of whom have autism.
McGuinness was diagnosed herself with autism and ADHD in 2021 and said that while getting the diagnosis as an adult helped her to “understand” herself, for a child it is imperative.
Speaking to the Standard at the Butterfly Ball @Fantasia 3, she said: “I would say early intervention is key, definitely.
“The sooner you get help and support the better. I know it’s really hard, I’d say patience is really, really important, you’ve probably got to learn patience like you never have before but stay positive. I think with the right help and support around you, anything is possible.”
McGuinness has made two documentaries about autism, and hopes to spread her message about the importance of diversity and inclusivity further with the release of her new children’s book.
The Magic Is Me, The Magic Is You, which is out on March 28, serves as the follow-up to 2023’s Amazing Me, Amazing You, and focuses on “the importance of friendship”.
She said: “My children are of course autistic and I wanted them to be represented in a book and for other children to try and understand them a bit more in a child-friendly way, so that’s why I’ve done both of the books. It’s really important to me that I’m a mum.”
McGuinness looks radiant in white as she chats to us in front of a large white unicorn statue at the opulent event at Waddesdon Manor, which helped raise £1.2 million for charity Caudwell Children.
Among the VIP guestlist were rugby star Chris Robshaw, producer Jamie Scott and photographer Mariano Vivanco, former TOWIE star James “Arg” Argent, 36, and influencer Brogan Garritt-Smith.
Katie Price and Peter Andre’s son, Junior Andre, 18, stepped in for his ambassador dad, who is currently awaiting the arrival any day now of his fifth child with doctor wife Emily MacDonagh.
Business leaders were also in attendance at the bash hosted by John Caudwell and partner Modesta. Caudwell’s Life Changers Circle pledged £1m over 10 years to the charity. They included hotel magnates Surinder & Sunita Arora, property developers Leanne and Graeme Carling, philanthropists Avnish and Anita Goyal and entrepreneurs Oliver and Roisin Chapman and Harry Fenner.
Fantasia 3 saw floral artist Amie Bone create a night of opulence, as guests came together to make a real difference to the lives of children. Caudwell Children provides practical and emotional support for thousands of disabled and autistic children every year. They help children and families through workshops, short breaks, treatment and therapies as well as offering autism assessment services.
“I’ve been to so many of John Caudwell’s events and every time I think this is incredible and it can’t get any better, but it does and I’m like, wow,” McGuinness exclaimed.
“He’s so passionate about helping other people, the work the charity does is amazing and I’m so proud to be an ambassador for it.”
