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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Connie Rusk

Christine McGuinness says she has been diagnosed with ADHD after learning she has autism

Christine McGuinness has announced she has been diagnosed with ADHD, just months after learning she has autism.

The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star, 34, who is married to Paddy McGuinness, has said discovering she has Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has "opened up my life".

ADHD is a condition that includes symptoms such as being restless and having trouble concentrating.

Christine told the Daily Star: "I’ve now been diagnosed with ADHD, autism and dyspraxia.

"Knowledge is key. If you know the situation, you’re able to deal with it. So getting a diagnosis has really opened up my life.

"It’s given me so much more opportunity to understand why I was the way I was."

Christine and Paddy, 48, who also presents Top Gear, have been open about their children having autism.

But Christine, who was a recluse for eight years, hopes by taking part in ITV's The Games she will show her children that their ­diagnoses do not have to hold them back.

She told The Mirror this week: “I want them to know they can do anything.

The star is set to compete on new ITV show The Games (Nicky Johnston/REX/Shutterstock)

“I don’t want them to ever think autism can hold them back, I want them to believe they can do whatever they put their minds to.

“I need to try and lead by example and get on with it. It will be too much for them to come down with Paddy.

“I wouldn’t have walked in these rooms three years ago. I wouldn’t walk into a football stadium. I love Liverpool, but I’d never go and watch them. I’ve avoided situations. I was a recluse for eight years in my 20s.

“I did not go out and socialise and if I went to the shop I’d only go at one or two in the morning when it was quiet. Stuck to my own little bubble and life. I avoided weddings, birthdays and red carpets because I found it all too much. Had to turn up at my own!

“I didn’t understand that’s why I was like that, but when my children were diagnosed and going to therapy with them four times a week – I was like: ‘Oh my god, this is me’."

Other celebs taking part of the show are musician Wes Nelson, model Phoenix Brown, The Wanted’s Max George and Corrie’s Colson Smith.

The Games starts Monday 9th May at 9pm on ITV.

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