Christine McGuinness has admitted she often hides the symptoms of her autism and practises conversations to "fit in".
The former Miss Liverpool was diagnosed with the condition last year, aged 33. Prior to her diagnosis, she was a prominent campaigner for autism awareness as her three children - Felicity, Leo and Penelope - are autistic.
Christine shared she had also been "confirmed as autistic" in an exclusive extract from her new book, Christine McGuinness: A Beautiful Nightmare, which came out in November 2021.
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Writing in her book, she said: "I have been confirmed as autistic. It’s strange, but I’ve noticed there are little hints throughout my life that I’m autistic and more like my children than I ever could have imagined.
"It all makes sense now. And as much as I’m not totally surprised, it’s still been emotional for me to accept, but it’s a relief as well."
On Sunday, the mum-of-three took to Instagram to share a part of her journey. Christine said she doesn't question who she is any more.
She posted a series of photos, including one of her in the garden with her children, and their hands holding Easter eggs. Captioning the post, she said: "Someone recently asked me when am I my most authentic self?
"I am a very typical autistic masker, (more common in autistic females but autistic males can do this too). I pretend, I copy, I use learned behaviour to ‘fit in’ and hide symptoms, I practise conversations and imitate actions in so many different areas of life I used to question myself which personality is the most authentic?
"Since my diagnosis I now see it all as the real me, I’m just different in different situations and honestly I think most people are to some extent. I don’t question who I am anymore. But it’s definitely at home with my babies where I am my most comfortable, relaxed self."
She explained she has had a "lazy weekend" with pyjama days and Easter egg hunts. She added she was "blessed".
Many of Christine's fans were quick to offer praise and support. Commenting on her post, Elizabeth Newson said: "I can strongly relate."
Margaret Murray said: "You are so in alignment with your beautiful children. A wonderful mother", while Rosanna Yarde said: "I love how you see it now as all a part of you, that's so helpful to look at it that way".
Beau Gillespie said: "Thank you, I honestly respect you so much for being so honest with this. It's nice to know it's not just me."
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