Christine McGuinness: 'I was branded difficult but I just need to be understood'

Christine McGuinnesshas 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.

“I felt very distant, like I didn’t understand people – and like I didn’t really understand myself,” she says. “I now feel so connected, so in-tune, so intuitive... I understand myself completely.”

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Her personal journey has inspired Christine to champion better representation and understanding of neurodivergent people – especially women – through Neuro Proud, a visually striking campaign she has overseen from start to finish. Featuring an all-neurodivergent crew and cast, the shoot saw each model choose one negative and one positive word to best describe their experiences as a neurodivergent person.

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…

Christine, as a parent of autistic children, do you ever worry about them having the same negative experiences you faced?

Yes, that thought is always in the back of my mind. As a mum, your instinct is to protect your children from everything that ever hurt you. But what gives me hope is that they’re growing up in a time where there’s more awareness and acceptance than when I was younger. They have me as their advocate and they’re learning that their differences are something to be proud of – not ashamed of.

How does the condition affect their normal everyday life?

Routine is a huge part of our life. It gives them structure and comfort. Even small changes can feel really big for them, so we plan everything carefully.

You speak in the Neuro Proud campaign video about misunderstandings and mention “words we’ve all been called”. What have you experienced?

So many words stick with you when you’re misunderstood – “disconnected”, “unsocial”, “difficult”, “unreliable”. I’ve had people judge me for being quiet, needing space, or for not making eye contact. But I’ve also learned that those words say more about others’ lack of understanding than they do about me. That’s what Neuro Proud is all about – taking back those words and turning them into something empowering.

Is autism, in a way, your “superpower”?

Absolutely. Autism allows me to see the world in a very detailed and emotional way. I feel things deeply, I’m highly intuitive and when I care about something – like this campaign – I give it 100%. It’s made me unique, creative and resilient. I genuinely believe it’s part of my magic.

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for yourself 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.

If you could say anything to people who struggle to understand others with autism, what would it be?

Be open. Be patient. Listen more than you speak. You don’t have to fully “get it” to be kind or inclusive. Every brain is different, and that’s what makes the world so beautifully diverse. A little understanding from others can be life-changing for us.

Christine McGuinness is working with the charity Models of Diversity for their campaign Neuro Proud, see modelsofdiversity.org

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