Melanie Sykes have just been diagnosed with autism

It makes me really happy seeing her and Christine McGuinness talking about their diagnosis. As a female with autism, it's hard enough for us to get a diagnosis, then a lot of people think we're lying if we dont fit the stereotypical look of autism.

If we don't look or talk or act like Anne Hegarty, apparently we can't be autistic. I'm happy that there are glam girls speaking up about it.

Also: not saying anne isn't glam... I love that woman.

One size doesn't fit all!

I agree. We are not all like SuBo! But also I do feel that Ms McGuiness would use it to her advantage for self publicity. This is just my opinion from what I have seen of her on the local news website and her instagram page.

Melanie Sykes said she was "celebrtaing" her diagnosis and good for her. I kind of feel like doing the same, to increase awareness that it affects normal, every day people. But at the same time, I'm just normal like everyone else and don't think I should be making a song and dance about it and coming across as "special".  I did fill in the Guardian questionnaire that someone posted on this forum but I'm in two minds about whether I'd like it published or not if they contacted me. Maybe without my real name as i don't want to be Google-able.

I fear you may be judging her based solely on her appearance, which is unfair. I’ve heard her speak twice, once about a whole new subject, and recently about her diagnosis. 
She seems to be a pleasant, down to earth woman with good morals and judgment. She isn’t ‘showbiz’ at all, and in fact has always struggled with her public appearances.

On a side note, I do find it a little strange that none of their children know they are on the spectrum. I have no idea when the parents will sit them down to tell them. Anyone else?

my mum who i suspect is autistic, never told me i was autistic. I think her strategy worked quite well in that i assumed i was no different and did what i liked !  i had no limits  ,   no labels,  i was just another kid  !

my mum who i suspect is autistic, never told me i was autistic. I think her strategy worked quite well in that i assumed i was no different and did what i liked !  i had no limits  ,   no labels,  i was just another kid  !