A Life-Changing Diagnosis - ‘I Don't Want My Boy To Ever Be Ashamed Of His Autism'

Sam Bailey reveals her -year-old son Tommy is autistic and tells ok!’s oliver grady how the condition has affected their lives

- Oliver Grady

For years, Sam Bailey had a feeling that her son Tommy was different to other kids, but this summer she finally learnt why – he has autism. Opening up about her boy’s condition for the first time to OK!, the 2013 X Factor winner – who is also mum to Brooke, 15, and Miley, six – says getting the diagnosis was actually a relief.

“It’s really taken a massive weight off our shoulders as parents,” admits the 43-year-old, who is married to Craig, 47. “Now we know what his condition is, we can do more to help him. Tommy has also relaxed because now we have an understanding of who he is,” she adds.

As well as being on the autistic spectrum, Tommy, 11, has also been diagnosed with dyspraxia – a brain disorder which affects coordination.

“Tommy would fake illness to get out of sports at school,” Sam reveals of her son’s difficulties before his diagnosis. “We’ve also tried to get him to ride a bike, but when he has to steer he falls off.”

Ex-prison officer Sam raised money via a series of live social media gigs to help pay for Tommy to be assessed privately at Spire Hospital in Leicester, where the family live. “The waiting list for an NHS assessment, especially with coronavirus, is anything from one to two years,” she explains of her decision. “I haven’t got that time because he starts secondary school this month and that’s such an important time for him.”

Now armed with the facts, Sam shares her emotional journey towards getting answers, her guilt over missing the signs and her hopes for the future...

What made you suspect Tommy might have autism, Sam?