I’ve read and watched a lot about autism over the past few years. The internet is full of information and there are many documentaries, TED Talks and other programmes on the subject. But the programme that followed the lives of Paddy and Christine McGuinness which aired shortly before Christmas really struck a chord with me. Many programmes show the extremes of the condition focussing on those with severe challenges or the child prodigies who are on the spectrum, presumably as this makes better TV. But “Our family and autism” followed the everyday challenges a relatively normal couple have when dealing with their children, all 3 of whom have autism. The struggles they faced, the questions they asked of themselves, the ups and downs… I spent the whole programme nodding in agreement as it all felt so familiar.
I wanted these posts to be more than just facts or other people’s thoughts on autism as anyone can look those up online, but so much of what is covered in this programme mirrors our own experiences that I thought it was worth sharing: Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism