The Paddy McGuinness autism documentary – Our Family and Autism – was a huge hit with viewers last night (Wednesday December 1).
So much so many were left in tears at the moving film that shed a light on what it was like to bring up three neurodiverse children.
And viewers were left in shock when his wife Christine herself revealed that she had been diagnosed with the condition, too.
What happened in the Paddy McGuinness autism documentary last night?
Throughout the Paddy McGuinness autism documentary, the Top Gear host, 48, and Christine, 33, showed what it was like for their three children to live autism.
Eight-year-old twins Leo and Penelope, and five-year-old Felicity have all been diagnosed with the condition.
Read more: Christine McGuinness’ traumatic past from her dad’s heroin addiction to rape as a teenager
And they detailed what effect this has had on their lives.
They also consulted doctors and other parents – including footie legend Paul Scholes – to find out more about the condition.
And despite the hardship parents faced – as well as the children – they also championed these amazing young people and celebrated their differences.
Christine’s shock revelation
In addition to relaying crucial information about the condition, Christine dropped a bombshell at the end of the episode.
Both Paddy and Christine explored the concept that autism is passed down through the generations.
So they both filled in a questionnaire that measures autistic traits. Christine’s score was higher than Paddy’s.
And, speaking to a scientist who specialises in autism, she said: “I feel like I’ve faked a lifetime.”
She admitted that she had always been a loner, and mirrored the people around her to “fit in”.
Christine also admitted she had an eating disorder when she was a teen.
“I’m absolutely fine with being autistic,” she said wiping away the tears.
“It’s just exhausting. I feel better now I’m not mad.”
Bless her … this is most moving … #bb1 #autism … to feel she was going mad must be awful #paddymcguinness
— BrydonN (@BrydonN2) December 1, 2021
I think Christine's really brave to have the cameras with her in this session – it's so massively personal and exposing. #OurFamilyAndAutism
— Tim Nicholls (@tim_nicholls) December 1, 2021
I wasn’t expecting to be blubbin this evening 🥺🥺 @PaddyMcGuinness and Christine. You’re both gorgeous and doing a wonderful job as parents and adults navigating life. By sharing your story you’ll help many people in all sorts of ways! 🙏 ❤️ #ourfamilyandautism
— David Watson (@davidwatsonuk) December 1, 2021
How did viewers react to the Paddy McGuinness autism documentary?
Viewers soon took to Twitter to express their admiration for the Paddy McGuinness autism documentary and Christine on the documentary, and her bravery in exploring her own symptoms.
“Bless her… this is most moving” one said. “#bb1 #autism … to feel she was going mad must be awful #paddymcguinness.”
Read more: Paddy McGuinness reveals that he’s worried about kids when he’s ‘not here anymore’
Another said: “I think Christine’s really brave to have the cameras with her in this session – it’s so massively personal and exposing. #OurFamilyAndAutism.”
“I wasn’t expecting to be blubbin this evening @PaddyMcGuinness and Christine,” a third admitted.
“You’re both gorgeous and doing a wonderful job as parents and adults navigating life. By sharing your story you’ll help many people in all sorts of ways!”
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