Melanie Sykes reveals son suffers from autism: 'He's an amazing boy'

Melanie Sykes has revealed that her 7-year-old son Valentino suffers from autism.

The Missing Millions presenter opened up about her "amazing little boy" whiling taping a celebrity edition of Phillip Schofield gameshow The Cube.

"I have never said anything publicly. I have known for five years that he has autism," The Sun quotes her saying. "But I felt it is his business. The thing is he is 7 and is about to be officially diagnosed with it - and my family all think it is time.

"He is an amazing little boy and he has changed my life. I want everybody to know that if you have a diagnosis of autism today, there is so much you can do with your child. It is miraculous."

Sykes was playing to raise money for the International Pre-Autistic Network, of which she is a patron.

"They believe they can eradicate those behaviours if you can get it early enough," the 41-year-old explained. "Valentino has been through this therapy and treatment.

"Within a two-and-a-half-week intensive course with a clinic his speech came back very rapidly. It is very expensive so the charity raises money for people who cannot afford to put their children through the therapy."

Sykes returned to daytime TV last August after teaming up with Gino D'Acampo for Lunch with Mel and Gino.

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