Christine McGuinness has shared some heartwarming news with fans as she celebrates Christmas with her children. The 34-year-old mother-of-three proudly posted video clips on her Instagram of massive progress made by nine-year-old twins Leo and Penelope, and daughter Felicity, six who have autism.
Christine, who was also diagnosed with the developmental disorder last year, said "dreams do come true" as she told fans how her children with Top Gear and Question of Sport host Paddy McGuinness had managed to help decorate the Christmas tree. For years they couldn't have one at home as they found it overwhelming.
She wrote with a sweet picture of the siblings captivated by the tree: "I feel like the luckiest lady on earth right now. Dreams do come true."
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With another post she typed: "My babies forever. I still remember the years we didn’t have a Christmas tree at home because it would overwhelm them. Look at them now my inspirations."
The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star added: "Anything is possible with love, support and patience (lots of patience)." TV presenter Denise Van Outen told her: "You're the best mummy." And the congratulations and support came pouring in.
hanmc78 said: "Awww we aren’t having a Xmas tree at home this year because my little girl who’s autistic isn’t keen. SPD and GDD. This is a post that gives me hope ! Thank you Christine x" Another follower said: "That’s fantastic and a huge step x" And Real Housewives co-star told her: "Merry Christmas."
Christine is bringing out her first children's book, inspired by their experiences of autism, which is out in March next year. She said about the book: "Amazing Me, Amazing You is a book about inclusivity for everybody and explains in a child-friendly way that everybody is different and that is something to celebrate! It’s beautifully illustrated by @hannahjayneillustration with lots of familiar settings such as school, parties, the beach, the airport and much more."
Last month the model was spotted for the first time without her wedding ring on either hand following the news of her split from husband Paddy in July. Christine and Paddy, 49, from Bolton, announced they were separating after 11 years of marriage in a joint statement.
They said: “We hadn’t planned on sharing this publicly until we were ready but after the lack of privacy surrounding our personal life, we feel left with no other option but to clarify. A while ago we took the difficult decision to separate but our main focus as always is to continue loving and supporting our children."
Last December she and Paddy left viewers in tears with their emotional documentary Our Family and Autism which aired on BBC One. While writing her autobiography A Beautiful Nightmare and filming the documentary about their lives as parents of three autistic children, she decided to get an official test.
Christine was told that she had autism after explaining that she'd always felt different from everyone else but not understanding why. She had raised awareness of the for years, but felt relief that her tendencies could be explained with a diagnosis too.
"When I got the diagnosis, I can honestly say it was such a huge relief. Just to know there was a reason why I felt this way and why I struggled with certain things," she previously told the Manchester Evening News.
As a teen Christine said she was only ever able concentrate on one whole movie and that was the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. She said in the podcast Table Talk that she knew every single line from the coming-of-age story off by heart.
"I used to watch one film over and over again. I've only ever watched one film in my life," Christine told the podcast. "It's because I can't stay focused. But it was Dirty Dancing. I knew it word for word."
According to the NHS people living with autism may find it hard to communicate and interact with others, find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable, get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events, take longer to understand information and do or think the same things over and over.
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