BBC presenter wishes she'd received autism diagnosis 'sooner': 'I'm only just understanding'

Former model and British TV presenter Melanie Sykes has spoken about her autism diagnosis, saying the information came as a "relief."

Sykes, 52, said she experienced struggles throughout her life and only made sense of them upon receiving an official diagnosis in 2021.

"I am wired a completely different way and I'm only just understanding," she explained on a recent episode of Alan Carr's Life's A Beach travel podcast.

Watch the video above.

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"Because I used to think, 'What's wrong with me?' and now I know it's everything right with me, because that's what makes me me and I do all right, I get by and life's been really interesting."

Discussing her autism diagnosis, Sykes said she has since come to suspect she may have Tourette's syndrome, explaining she would find herself laughing "at really inappropriate things" and struggling to find her place in the world.

"I self-identify because of my studies and understanding of the pre-existing 'conditions' that are hand in hand in some autistic people," she explained on social media.

Sykes joined Carr's podcast episode to discuss the extensive travelling she undertook during her years as a model and more recently in search of self-discovery, explaining that she has been battling claustrophobia of late.

"Claustrophobia was a new friend, and that's been like a mountain to climb. But I'm working on that," she said.

"I'm claustrophobic in areas that are like wide open, like midway up Ben Nevis ... because you can't leave without a helicopter or walking, and when you're walking you've got six hours this way or six hours that way, and you're like 'f, man!'"

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Sykes labelled her autism diagnosis "life-changing", saying it allowed her to make sense of "so many things."

"I now have a deeper understanding of myself, my life, and the things I have endured," she continued, adding there have been feelings of "relief" as well as "mourning."

"Not because I don't want to be who I am, it's that I wish I'd known sooner."

Sykes has been sent messages of support from around the world.

"From an 'aspie' here in Australia congrats for bringing out your book and the courage to share your story inspiring others like us," one commented.

"I've just listened to your podcast with Chris… courage and determination to show yourself to the world. Gives me hope," another said.

"You are helping people without realising Mel and I thank you for being so brave."

One said: "As someone who is currently on a waiting list for my autism referral, this will be a great read and I am heading out to buy it today.

"I am 37 and it's taken me until last year to figure out who I am and what is different and unique about me. Following you has really helped. Thank you, you are an inspiration to so many."

Melanie Sykes' book Illuminated: Autism & All The Things I've Left Unsaid is out now.