Fans Praise Christine McGuinness' Documentary For Awareness On Autism

Fans have resonated with Christine McGuinness' direct experience with autism.

The English model has continued to receive praise for her documentary on the severe developmental disorder that impairs one's ability to interact and communicate. The all-around doc aired on BBC last month saw her revealing that she was sexually abused and had problems staying connected with people in her life.

For McGuinness, getting diagnosed with autism in 2021 when she was 33 explained a lot of previously unanswered questions. She had struggled to remain focused through school as a teenager, eventually dropping out at age 14.

Thus, it was vital for her to share her story to help others understand what having the disorder entailed through her documentary, "Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism."

Over a month later, her accolades have proven that she made the right choice. The 35-year-old shed light on some of the awards in a series of Instagram Stories, starting with a screenshot of a comment that read:

“I'm at the hospital with my daughter & I have just overheard a conversation regarding a young girl suffering from Anorexia who has been admitted and the parents are asking about exploring an autism diagnosis off the back of your truly wonderful documentary.”

The original poster claimed that even doctors have alluded to the positive impact and awareness that her "documentary has brought to the subject," concluding that "it's emotional to listen to."

The next Story was even more touching as this netizen sent a direct message that began with an appreciation for McGuinness, who might have saved their 15-year-old daughter's life. After noting that they had a "lightbulb moment, in a long period of complete darkness," they continued:

“Your courage, honesty and all your contributors' narrative enlightened us, as clear as if our daughter was lifting her mask away and explaining her inner self. Her teenage years have been horrific with bullying, trauma, SH and isolation, and no professional help has been able to reach her properly.”

They added that even though they would never meet the former beauty queen to hug her and "say thank you," their gratitude was genuine and immense. 

A third update from the "The Real Housewives of Cheshire" alum featured a collage of other texts, including one from a netizen whose 34-year-old has been "undiagnosed but was 1000000% autistic." Unfortunately, the patient died of suicide last January, and his sibling believed that "him not being in a world that understood him was a massive factor."

The message beneath that informed McGuinness that their "daughter went and got help after your documentary," and a third profusely thanked her for saving their 12-year-old daughter's life with the television program, noting:

“We have now got [an] appointment with caudwell for [an] appointment for [an] autism assessment.”

The "All Star Mr & Mrs" participant wrapped up the emotional updates with a clip saying she was taking time off social media to regroup. She disclosed that while she was happy to have impacted so many people with her documentary, the messages she received were getting to her.

In the weeks after her documentary aired, McGuinness talked about her fears concerning her three kids — Penelope Patricia, Felicity Rose, and Leo Joseph — living entire, rich lives with the disorder. The Blast noted that she addressed the issue during her appearance at the "Me, My Autism & I" exhibition earlier this month, stating:

“It keeps me awake at night. I worry if they’re going to be independent when they’re older. It’s an extra concern with them being autistic and having additional needs – they’re more vulnerable.”

She then pointed out her uncertainty about them living independently, especially when she considered the possibility of them needing "support in getting employment." Despite not having any control over the situation, the "Steph's Packed Lunch" guest is determined to "stay positive," as she admitted:

“I need to spend as much time as possible making them as independent as they can be for when that time comes.”

Luckily, since the kids were also diagnosed with autism, they have developed "coping mechanisms" that will aid them in handling challenging situations.