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Celebrity

04th Jul 2015

“I Felt Like A Failure” – Melanie Sykes Talks About Son’s Autism Diagnosis

"I kept thinking, ‘I hope he is deaf’."

Her

Melanie Sykes has opened up this week about dealing with the diagnosis of her son’s autism.

The popular presenter revealed at London Autism Show that she felt like she had failed as a mother when her son Valentino (Tino) was diagnosed eight years ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10:  Melanie Sykes attends a gastronomic Mexican lunch prepared by 6 of the country's finest chefs to celebrate the Year of Mexico in the UK, hosted by the Minister of Tourism and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at The Savoy Hotel on February 10, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images)
She made a powerful speech in London this week.

“That was the first time I heard it and I didn’t really know what it was,” she said according to The Sun.

“If I can’t accept he’s got autism, I can’t help him change,” she reportedly continued.

Melanie also read out parts of a diary that she had written in 2007.

“I want to throw the towel in and wave a white flag. I desperately want to fold in my hand of cards.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25:  Melanie Sykes attends the BRIT Awards 2015 at The O2 Arena on February 25, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Melanie revealed how difficult it was to cope.

“I’ve had enough – children, marriage, life, work, the lot. It’s too hard to handle and I can’t cope.

“I could cry until I dissolve, never to be seen again. I am so sick of failure that I feel, and overwhelmed by the future.”