Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine open up on their four-year-old twins’ autism as they reveal their heartwarming poem about them
PADDY McGuinness and his wife Christine have spoken out for the first time on being parents to their autistic twins Penelope and Leo - explaining how they've adapted their parenting around them.
The Take Me Out presenter, 43, and model, 29, said physical contact and hugs with the four-year-olds is rare, and that coming to terms with the original diagnosis was like "grieving".
But while they were initially "angry" to learn their first children together had the condition, they soon adapted their lives accordingly - from not putting up Christmas decorations to learning what foods would distress them.
Proud mum Christine has now also shared a moving poem she wrote to the little ones, inviting them to ";embrace" their autism.
Father Paddy, who also has two-year-old Felicity with Christine, says getting a hug from his daughter is a huge achievement.
He explained: "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."
Explaining how they first found out Leo and Penelope had autism, Paddy explained: "We'd been to see a paediatrician and at the end she said quite casually, 'I'm absolutely certain both the children have autism'."
Christine, who immediately started "grieving for [her] 'normal' children", explained: "I was so angry with her.
"How dare she say that about my children, having only seen them for a few hours?
"It was the first I'd ever thought of them having autism - even if, looking back, it was obvious."
Reflecting on what she'd noticed before the formal diagnosis, Christine explained: "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.
"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."
When the children were very young, Christine also noticed the children were extra sensitive, but had to handle that on her own as Paddy had gone straight back to work within days of the birth.
"They were very sensitive to noise and if we took them to play centres we'd end up having to leave straight away," she explained.
"They couldn't stand different textures like grass and sand. I was still spoon-feeding them.
"Leo still eats beige, dry food like crackers...
"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."
As the twins approached three they started to show serious anxiety about new experiences, and Leo became obsessed with opening and closing doors, while Penelope became very attached to toys.
Now, a year on, Paddy says the pair have developed more individuality, each requiring their own specific care and attention.
He said: "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 doesn't like physical contact like a cuddle. She's full of anxiety and prefers to play alone a lot, but doesn't necessarily want to be alone."
Christine added: ";Penelope will only get in the car if Leo is already there. She has a more varied diet than Leo but she can become obsessed with certain foods.
"If she has a bag of Wotsits she'll want another and another, so you have to empty the bag then say there's none left or she can't understand why she can't have them."
Christine's poem dedicated to Leo and Penelope celebrated their fourth birthday and concludes: "I love you unconditionally, and I will encourage you both to embrace your autism.
"Because you are totally unique and fantastically awesome. All my love always, Mummy."
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