Melanie Sykes discussed how she lives with autism, and vowed to change people’s perception of the condition.
The 51-year-old revealed her diagnosis last year, and said she was “celebrating” after being “validated” following years of feeling different to other people.
Her youngest son Tino, 17, has also been diagnosed with autism, and in a new interview on John Bishop’s podcast Three Little Words, the TV star spoke about her plans for the future, and how she wants to transform how people perceive the condition.
“The amazing @MsMelanieSykes opened up about her autism diagnosis and how it transformed her life, on this week's Three Little Words podcast,” John wrote, as he shared a clip of the interview on Instagram.
“My youngest son has autism, and I’ve =been diagnosed with it too. I’ve had to look at what it all means now, and it makes complete and utter sense.,” she explained.
Comedian John then asked her if she had been diagnosed as a child, would she have felt limited in what she could do in her life, and would she have still followed a career in showbusiness.
“There’s no space for autistic people in this world,” Melanie said, as she told John there wasn’t an ‘ideal’ profession that would suit someone on the spectrum.
“This is another thing that I’m going to change,” she explained. “Because there is no walks of life where it’s okay, people are still scratching their head about autistic people and what does it mean.
“These people have got so much to offer the world, I do not see it as a disorder at all,” Melanie said.
“It’s just a different wiring of you,” the TV star added.
Fans and followers of the comedian were quick to praise Melanie for bravely speaking out about the condition, and many shared their own experiences in the comments.
“Autism rocks, and if u dnt know you had better get to know. Educate yourself before talking, stop before acting and dnt be afraid of our children. They are the best,” one of John’s followers commented on the post.
“I needed to hear this today… I’m not disabled, I’m just different. I wish more people would look past health conditions and give others a chance,” another added.
“Ableism needs to be discussed more. I feel its the last acceptable prejudice that I suspect most people don't even realise they do it,” one commented.
“It is just important that the topic in general is discussed and destigmatized for all, thanks for starting the discussion,” one wrote.
