Melanie Sykes says she is ‘celebrating’ her autism diagnosis

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Model and TV presenter Melanie Sykes is “celebrating” her recent diagnosis of autism, and said it was a “relief” to know she has it. "I’ve always felt different to other people and how they think and operate, but now I know it’s because I’m autistic it makes me feel validated as I understand why. "It makes me extremely happy to know I’ve helped.” The broadcaster is now determined to remove the stigma associated with autism. Peter Watt, director of national programmes at the National Autistic Society, said that “many autistic people and families will see a lot of themselves” in Sykes and McGuinness’ stories, particularly women and girls.