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Paddy McGuinness Feels Like the Odd One Out in His Own Home

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In my own words, I can’t help but confess that I sometimes feel like the unique puzzle piece in our family household, as I’m the sole member without autism among us.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d share this perspective: After parting ways last year, ending an 11-year marital journey that took us all by surprise in 2022, my ex-spouse and I continue to reside under one roof, united by our shared commitment to our children.

The couple has twin kids, Leo and Penelope, who are 12 years old, as well as their 9-year-old daughter, Felicity. All of these children have been diagnosed with autism, and so has the mother, Christine.

In addition to their twins, Leo and Penelope (who are both 12), and their daughter, Felicity (age 9), the couple also has a family member, Christine, who has been diagnosed with autism, just like their children.

Paddy admitted that he often feels out of place at home since he’s the only one not diagnosed with anything, and he sometimes believes their family cat exhibits traits associated with being on the autism spectrum.

On The Tommy Tiernan Show, Paddy was questioned if it felt unusual to have three kids diagnosed with autism. He replied: “Not anymore. Each child with autism is unique. For me, ‘strange’ might not be the appropriate term.

When you’re young as a man, you often envision your future, imagining getting married and having children. You picture yourself playing football with your son or taking your daughter horseback riding – typical scenarios. However, when these experiences don’t materialize, that’s when it strikes you: this isn’t what I expected parenthood to be like. For me, it was a realization of the difference between my expectations and reality.

As a lifestyle expert, I can empathize with fellow parents when I share an experience from my own journey: One time, while driving with my children, we had to pull over at a motorway service station. I needed to use the restroom and decided to take my son along. Upon entering, someone activated a hand dryer, causing quite a ruckus that triggered an unexpected meltdown in my child due to the noise. Lessons like these remind us of the unpredictable nature of parenthood!

As you progress, you discover what sets off someone versus what doesn’t. This understanding came to me after a few years of observation, since you care deeply about these individuals, and you naturally strive to simplify things for them. However, life isn’t as straightforward as we might wish.

For example, my young son is capable of entering the bathroom now without being startled by a hand dryer operating.

Although I don’t believe he particularly enjoys it the most, he seems unfazed by it. So, for me, it means learning to cope with the differences between what I imagined fatherhood would be like and how I’m actually experiencing it.

Paddy spoke up, expressing his anxieties regarding the well-being of his kids and his fears that they might get exploited.

‘I think every parent it’s natural to have a concern for their children,’ he said. 

For me, there’s an ongoing concern that I might not be there for them, given their special needs, particularly since they have autism which can make them more vulnerable. Unfortunately, there are many unkind individuals out there.

If the thought of anyone harming your child is enough to make your anger flare up immediately, it’s understandable to feel concerned when such a gentle, kind-hearted person becomes involved, but living in constant worry isn’t sustainable. Instead…

Or:

It’s natural for your blood to boil at the mere thought of anyone hurting your child. But when someone who is inherently good and innocent enters the picture, it can cause additional worry. However, dwelling on these fears all the time isn’t a healthy way to live life. Instead…

‘You’ve just kind of get on with it, and set them up as best as you can.’

But Paddy gushed over the close relationship he has with his children and the love they show him. 

He expressed: ‘On the other hand, it holds such joy – such affection. My oldest children, Leo and Penelope, are 12 now and they’re in high school. Last night I found myself tucking my son into bed, giving him kisses, embracing, reading a book together, and gently stroking his back.’

He enjoys being playfully tickled on his back, and it strikes you as absolutely delightful – truly the most wonderful sensation.

‘Although I have to approach parenthood differently now, I continue to find great value and fulfillment in it.’

Paddy’s ex-wife Christine, 37, received her autism diagnosis later in life, around five years ago. 

Paddy explained that his ex-wife was later diagnosed with autism, which made it seem like he was different in their home since these traits weren’t evident earlier on.

And he even suspects the family pet has autism.  

As I believe our feline friend may be on the autism spectrum, it seems I am the only one who truly understands its unique ways. Consequently, I find myself deeply involved in this home, offering care and companionship to all.

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2025-05-07 18:49

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