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?
Denne historien er fra September 15, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 15, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event