Paddy McGuinness and his wife Christine admit speaking out about their twins’ autism has helped them cope
Take Me Out host and his partner say opening up about their twins' condition for the first time this year has been crucial to helping them cope as they thank fans and friends for their support
PADDY McGuinness and wife Christine say they are so glad they decided to speak out about their twins' autism, as they've had "nothing but positive" reactions and help on the issue since doing so.
The Take Me Out host and his model partner - who have also discussed their children's condition on This Morning - have been sent many tips from "lovely" supporters offering advice on how to cope.
Previously Paddy compared parenting autistic twins to feeling "like you're drowning" - while Christine read out a moving poem about Penelope and Leo, four, on Loose Women.
Now the duo, who also fear their one-year-old child Felicity may have autism, have sent a huge thank you to those who have lightened their load of responsibility as parents.
Comedian Paddy, 44, revealed to : "Christine's had a lot of people get in touch. It's been fantastic. People have been really supportive. Anything like that has helped.
"To know you've got support and there are other people in the same boat and you're not on your own really helps."
Christine added: "The reaction we've had has been lovely. It's nice to know it's not only us out there dealing with it... As a whole it's been nothing but positive since we talked about it."
At the Pride Of Britain Awards this week, Christine also spoke about how proud she is of her "little heroes" who are now in school and are loving it.
"They have got a condition but they are doing amazingly well. They're our little heroes and they surprise us every day," she said.
"They're getting better every day and they're handling different situations all the time."
Because of Leo and Penelope's autism, Christine has revealed there are no Christmas lights put up or parties held at their house as noise and colours leave the children disturbed.
But this week Christine was delighted to share a special letter from a school parent who had offered to have an autism-friendly party so that Leo and Penelope could attend in comfort.
Christine wrote alongside it: "Leo and Penelope have received many birthday party invitations in the past but have never been able to attend due to most party places being unsuitable for children with autism (play centres are the worst!).
"Yesterday we received a birthday invitation from another child at the twins new school and a letter from their parents asking if there was anything they could do at the party to make it more comfortable for the twins.
"For once we may be able to accept an invitation knowing that the parents and the child have some understanding of autism and the fact they have offered to create a quiet area in case Leo and Penelope need some time out is so considerate of them, I cried!"
She added: "I hope one day we live in a world where everyone understands autism and everyone is willing to make small changes to involve each other equally."
The McGuinnesses, who have been married for six years, are now in talks to work alongside the National Autistic Society to raise awareness in 2018.
