Christine McGuinness doesn't want autism to "hold [her] back".
Christine McGuinness has discussed her experience of autism
The 35-year-old star still isn’t "completely comfortable" with herself after being diagnosed with the condition - which can lead to sensory issues and discomfort in social settings - in 2021, but Christine won't let it stop her from living her life.
She told OK! Magazine: "I understand myself a lot more and feel more comfortable.
"I’m not completely comfortable in my own skin yet, but I’m getting there. If I go to a restaurant, I’m not afraid to ask for my food to be a little bit plainer, while before I used to feel awkward and difficult about it. Now I’ll just say [what I want] because I want to be able to socialise and eat with everybody - I don’t want autism to hold me back."
Despite this, Christine feels very comfortable talking about the issue.
She said: "When I’m talking about autism it’s almost well-rehearsed now because I’ve done it so many times, and it’s my most comfortable topic. I struggle more in a normal social setting where there is a group of girls just catching up about their day and work and life. That’s where I’d be feeling uncomfortable and sit quiet, not sure what to say. I think what most people find OK is what I struggle with."
The model finalised her divorce from Paddy McGuinness last year.
But Christine has continued to live with her ex-husband and she's not sure when the situation will change.
The blonde beauty - who has Felicity, seven, and nine-year-old twins Penelope and Leo with Paddy - said: "It works right now because we’re both so busy and we’re in and out of the home so we tend to swap days and we’ll share. It’s much like any parent really - juggling jobs and children. We definitely don’t want to upset them or change anything too quickly, and for me as well.
"I like slow changes, and we’re alright - we’re family. I’ve known Paddy for 15 years, so I don’t know life without him. It is what it is."
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