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Paddy McGuinness: 'I am never happy following twins' autism diagnosis'

Earlier this month, Paddy McGuinness’ wife, Christine, revealed that their four-year-old twins, Penelope and Leo, had been diagnosed with autism.

Now the pair have opened up about the daily struggle their children face, with Paddy even admitting that he is “never happy” following his children’s diagnosis.

Paddy has opened up about his children’s life-changing diagnosis.
Paddy has opened up about his children’s life-changing diagnosis.

Speaking to The Mirror, the Take Me Out presenter shared: “Some days, it feels like you’re slowly drowning. It’s like you’re under water desperately swimming up to get oxygen, but never getting there.

“When I hear the word ‘autism’ I just feel so unhappy. I don’t like seeing how it affects my children. It upsets me so much seeing them getting so stressed out and frustrated. Every parent just wants their child to be happy and to protect them.

“I should be the happiest I have ever been with my career, family and friends, but I can honestly say I am never happy in myself now.

“I constantly worry about them. I would give up everything to take this condition away from them.”

Paddy’s wife Christine went public with the news earlier this month.
Paddy’s wife Christine went public with the news earlier this month.

Paddy’s comments come just days after Christine broke down in tears during an appearance on Loose Women on Friday, with the 29 year old explaining: “They were non verbal until they were three. They didn’t socialise with other children very well and they still do struggle socialising with other children.

“That’s one of the most heartbreaking parts of it but it is quite common for children and adults with autism to struggle with socialising.

“Paddy was completely stunned too. When we went away and researched it everything did fall into place and we had seen it but we just didn’t know it was autism.

“There is a sense of loss when your child is diagnosed with autism.”

Christine broke down during an appearance on Loose Women.
Christine broke down during an appearance on Loose Women.

Paddy and Christine are also parents to two-year-old Felicity, and Paddy recently explained some of the heartbreaking autism symptoms that Penelope and Leo display.

He said: “It’s difficult to get hugs and cuddles from Penelope, but if she ever gives you a hug or some kind of affection you feel as though you’ve done something special to get that response.”

Christine added of the children’s diagnosis: “When they were little they would make funny noises and when they started to walk they were on tip toes.

“Their eye contact wasn’t brilliant, they had very delayed speech, but the health visitor would say it was because they were twins.

Paddy is the much-loved host of Take Me Out.
Paddy is the much-loved host of Take Me Out.

“It’s only recently when I’ve looked at home videos and done research I’ve seen so many of the signs of autism were there but we didn’t realise.

“They were very sensitive to noise and if we took them to play centres we’d end up having to leave straight away.

“They couldn’t stand different textures like grass and sand. I was still spoon-feeding them.

“I was depressed the Christmas they were two because I didn’t put up any decorations, but I just knew all the lights and unfamiliarity would really distress them.”

Paddy and Christine during Christine’s pregnancy with Penelope and Leo.
Paddy and Christine during Christine’s pregnancy with Penelope and Leo.

Paddy continued: “I know if I am driving them to nursery and a particular parking space isn’t available, Leo probably won’t get out of the car.

“Penelope is the complete opposite to Leo. She’s much more emotional. Her autism is more moderate than Leo’s but we struggle with her more.

“She’s full of anxiety and prefers to play alone a lot, but doesn’t necessarily want to be alone.”

Many fans have praised Paddy and his wife for coming forward with their autism struggle, with other parents of autistic children thanking the star for shedding some light on the condition.