Melanie Sykes: It was an arduous road to get autism diagnosis

Melanie Sykes it was “an arduous road” to get an autism diagnosis in midlife.

The TV star was 51 when she was told by specialists she had a “neurodivergent mind” amid revelations the condition presents differently in women and girls which leads to them having a lower rate of diagnosis. Melanie opens up about her journey in her upcoming memoir, which she has just confirmed.

She said: “Getting a late diagnosis and having to learn about and understand my neurodivergent mind and sensitivities has indeed unlocked my happiness but it’s been an arduous road. Writing this book sometimes felt like I was performing open-heart surgery on myself but I knew how necessary it was."

Melanie, 52, insists it was a "necessary" answer to now she was autistic, and now her world has started to "make sense".

The former 'Today with Des and Mel' host says writing the book with publisher HarperNorth felt like carrying out “open-heart surgery” on herself but she can't wait to share her story.

She said: "Writing this book sometimes felt like I was performing open-heart surgery on myself but I knew how necessary it was. I can now put it out into the world unapologetically and confidently because sharing all the wisdom my life has given me makes it all worthwhile.”

HarperNorth’ publishing director Genevieve Pegg says the upcoming book will show a side to Mel that her fans have never seen.

Pegg said: “Melanie has been a familiar presence since she burst on the scene in the 1990s.

“But beyond the Melanie we feel we know from her TV and radio there’s a far wider, deeper story to her life.

“Her story is one of honesty, resilience and growth in the face of challenge. By turns hard-hitting and joyful, it’s packed with surprise, hope and calls to action.”