13 28 MARCH 2024 FOOD BITES in ways that, at one time, she and Paddy would never have believed. “They’re doing amazing,” beams Christine. “I remember the paediatrician telling me, when the twins were four, that they may never talk, eat solid foods, or use the bathroom on their own. And we’ve just kept ticking all these milestones o . It’s later than other children, but they’re doing it. They’re doing things I’m not even doing, especially when it comes to food. Honestly, they inspire me every single day.” As for her own future: “I want my own career, I want to work, I’d like to be more independent,” says Christine. “But I also want to make sure I’m at home as much as possible for my children. It’s a di cult balance.” Is she happy? “Like everyone, I have my moments,” she considers. “I’m human. But I look at my children and I’m happy. I’ve got one unconditional love forever, with these three children. They’re just the best in the world. “I used to question my life all the time,” she adds. “When I was a teenager, I really struggled. I was really, really depressed. Everyone at school knew what they wanted to do, and I didn’t. I just knew I wanted to be a mum. Now I’ve got these three children, and because of them, I understand me, and feel like it’s my purpose to be their mum. I feel strongly that these children were supposed to be my children, and part of being their mum is advocating for who they are, and for who I am, and looking for acceptance and trying to get people to understand. That’s my purpose in life, and I’m very grateful that I’ve got it.” The Magic is You, The Magic is Me by Christine McGuinness, illustrated by Hannah Jayne Lewin, is out now (Scholastic) of avour, or anything too textured. A lasagne would not happen in our house. I might make a tomatobased pasta, but it will be smooth, with no lumps. Do you ever eat out? I’m getting better. There’s an Italian in Alderley Edge called Gusto. They know me, so they’ll do me something quite plain. And McDonald’s is a big favourite with autistic children, because it’s the same all over the world. You say your diet is ‘dry and beige’… That’s right. On a typical day, dinner for me and the children will be chicken nuggets and chips, straight out of the freezer. If I was pushing the boat out, I might do homemade goujons and some homemade chips. We sometimes make our own chicken goujons as a bit of messy food therapy play. What are your cupboard essentials? Bread, bagels, pastries, crisps. Everything’s quite neutral. We don’t like a lot FIRM FAVOURITE Goujons and chips Photographs: Getty Images, BBC Picture Library
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