Different FOR GIRLS
CHRISTINE McGUINNESS MEETS OTHERS WHO SHARE HER LONG BATTLE WITH UNDIAGNOSED AUTISM, IN AN EYE-OPENING NEW DOCUMENTARY…
Following her autism diagnosis aged 33, this enlightening new film sees TV personality Christine McGuinness speak to other autistic females, and raise questions around gender bias when it comes to getting diagnoses and support…
“It’s quite common for women to get diagnosed later in life,” shares Christine. “It’s not recognised as much compared to the signs boys will show in younger years. Some girls of school age, their symptoms might be that they’re shy and don’t want to socialise much. Then mental health issues in teenage years – again, doctors and parents and carers might dismiss that with, ‘Oh, she’s hormonal, she’s just moody’. But if you delve deeper, it could be that they’re autistic. I think that’s why it took so long for me to get that diagnosis.”
Following on from Christine’s 2021 film – which focused on her and ex-husband
Paddy’s three children, who all have autism – she’s anticipating a huge response…
“I get things every day from hundreds of people on social media,” shares Christine. “It’s amazing I’ve got that platform – there aren’t many people in the public eye you can ask for help and guidance.” There are thousands of women and girls in the UK awaiting an autism diagnosis, but Christine has some supportive words… “Speak to friends and family, and take time out to prepare,” she suggests. “Think about if you want somebody to go with you, or who you might want to call afterwards and make sure they’re available. Also, know that you’re still the same person you were when you went into that room. But getting that clarity is so important…”