UK Rapper Giggs Calls For Urgent Action To Help Autistic Children In Schools

British rap icon Giggs used his platform on BBC’s “Newsnight” to speak openly about his autism diagnosis and the urgent need for stronger support systems for children with special educational needs, including his own two young kids.

The South London rapper expressed concern for his 5-year-old daughter Isla and 9-year-old son Israel, both of whom are navigating life with autism.

He warned that without proper Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) resources in schools, their futures could mirror the struggles he faced growing up.

“In school, I didn’t get any support, so I was always getting in trouble,” he said, explaining how his “impulsive” behavior led to frequent disciplinary issues and the conclusion, “I was good at being bad.”

That lack of support had long-term consequences. “You take that through life,” he said, referencing the path that led him to serve two prison sentences before finding direction in music.

He credits his rap career with turning his life around and said he hopes his son doesn’t have to rely on hardship to shape his own journey.

The “Talkin da Hardest” rapper posted a clip of the interview to Instagram with a direct message in the caption: “MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED.”

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Giggs Reveals Autism Diagnosis

This isn’t the first time Giggs has spoken publicly about living with autism. On the “90s Baby” podcast, he recalled feeling “different, special, gifted” as a child, but not understanding why until his diagnosis.

He said the lack of awareness and resources at the time left him without the tools to succeed in school.

His adult son, ML, is also on the autism spectrum and has followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician. ML has also spoken about how autism influences his creativity and everyday life.

Giggs said that finally receiving a diagnosis helped things “make sense” but also highlighted how little support existed for kids like him growing up.

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He’s now using his visibility to draw attention to the broader issue of undiagnosed and unsupported autistic children in the UK.

Meanwhile, Giggs is set to headline the final night of the Somerset House Summer Series 2025 with a special “Giggs & Family” performance on Sunday, July 20. It will be his first headlining show in London in more than six years.