When Christine McGuinness discusses her struggles with being labeled as “difficult” and “unsocial,” she opens up about the project of which she is most proud to date.
Christine McGuinness has worn many hats over the years – model, reality star, presenter – but it’s her latest role as a neurodiversity advocate that fills her with the most pride. “I’m so, so proud of it,” she beams, talking to OK! about her new campaign Neuro Proud, created in conjunction with Models of Diversity, a charity which campaigns to promote greater diversity in the fashion, beauty and media industries. “I can’t believe I came up with this idea – and now it’s here.”
Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021 at the age of 33, Christine – now 37 – is one of a growing number of UK adults who were late-diagnosed, often after years of feeling “disconnected” from the world around them.
She claims that she felt very distant and that she didn’t really understand herself. “I now feel so connected, in tune, and intuitive… ” I fully comprehend who I am.
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Through Neuro Proud, a visually stunning campaign she has run from beginning to end, Christine has been inspired by her personal journey to advocate for better understanding and representation of neurodiversity, particularly among women. Each model chose one negative and one positive word to best sum up their experiences as a neurodivergent on the shoot, which included an entirely neutral crew and cast.
It’s a topic extremely close to Christine’s heart, as her three children with ex-husband Paddy McGuinness – twins Leo and Penelope, 12, and eight-year-old Felicity – are also autistic. And while the former couple split in 2022, finalising their divorce in 2024, she and Paddy, 51, still co-parent under one roof at their home in Cheshire. Here, Christine tells new about family life, the power of being “original”, and why she’s never felt prouder than she does right now…
Do you ever worry about your autistic children having the same negative experiences as you did as a parent?
Yes, I always have that thought in my head. Your first instinct as a mother is to shield your children from any harm you may experience. But what I find hopeful is that they are developing more quickly than I was when I was younger. They are learning that they can be proud of their differences and not ashamed of it because of what I do as their advocate.
How does their daily life go?
Our daily lives are very routine. They are provided with structure and comfort. We make sure to plan everything carefully because even the smallest changes can feel very significant to them.
In your Neuro Proud campaign video, you mention “words we’ve all been called” and talk about miscommunications. What was your experience?
When you’re misunderstood, there are so many words that stay with you: “disconnected,” “unsocial,” “difficult,” and “unreliable.” People have criticized me for not making eye contact, needing space, or being quiet. However, I’ve also discovered that those words reveal a person’s lack of understanding more than they do about me. That’s the goal of Neuro Proud: transforming those words into something empowering.
In some ways, does autism qualify as your “superpower”?
Absolutely not. I can see the world through the eyes of an extremely sensitive and emotional lens. I have a strong sense of intuition, and when I’m passionate about something, like this campaign, I give it my all. I became unique, imaginative, and resilient as a result. It’s a genuine indication that it’s a component of my magic.
What do you hope to achieve in the future for both you and your children?
My dream is a world where none of us feel the need to mask, explain or apologise for who we are. For myself, I want to keep pushing boundaries, in private and in public, and show that neurodivergent people are incredible. With the right support, we are capable of so much. For my children, I want them to grow up knowing their value, knowing they’re celebrated, understood and valued.
What would you say to those who find it difficult to comprehend other people with autism?
Be truthful. Have patience. As you speak, take more notes. You don’t need to be completely “get it” to be kind or welcoming. Every brain is unique, which contributes to the world’s incredible diversity. For us, a little understanding from others can change our lives.
Christine McGuinness is working with the charity Models of Diversity for their campaign Neuro Proud, see modelsofdiversity.org
Source: Mirror
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