The wife of Harry Judd, Izzy, has revealed that one of their children has been diagnosed with a condition and said it has been “one of the most challenging experiences”.

Harry Judd, 39, echoed his wife’s sentiments in a heartfelt post to fans. “Nothing can prepare you for this kind of news,” he wrote.

“As a parent, your first instinct is to protect your child from everything. When you realise you can’t fix it — that’s when your heart breaks. But Izzy and I are united in making sure our little one feels safe, loved, and capable of anything.”

Friends and fans have rallied around the family since the announcement, flooding social media with messages of love and support. Fellow musicians and celebrities were among the first to comment, including Judd’s McFly bandmates.

“We’re with you, brother,” wrote Tom Fletcher, while Dougie Poynter added, “Sending love to you and the family. You’ve always been one of the strongest people I know.”

Giovanna Fletcher, Izzy’s close friend and fellow author, also shared her support, writing: “My heart is with you all. Your courage and honesty will help so many others going through the same thing.”

The Judds have become known for their openness about family struggles, particularly around parenting and mental health.

Izzy’s 2017 book Dare to Dream detailed her emotional journey through IVF, while her follow-up Mindfulness for Mums explored ways to stay grounded amid the chaos of motherhood. In this latest chapter, she said, mindfulness has once again become an anchor. “It’s the only thing keeping me from spiralling,” she confessed.

“Some days are okay, and others aren’t. But we’ve learned to take things moment by moment, and to find joy where we can — even in the smallest things.”

Izzy and McFly star Harry are proud parents to three children: Lola, eight and sons Kit, seven and Lockie, three.

Recently though, Izzy shared that one of their children was diagnosed neurodivergent, and opened up about how she has adapted her parenting to cater to the condition.

They are parents to three children (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Harry Judd’s wife reveals child’s diagnosis

This week, Izzy appeared on Dr Alex George’s Stompcast podcast, where she revealed that one of their kids suffers from Pathological Demand Avoidance, and said it has been “one of the most challenging experiences”.

PDA syndrome is a specific profile within the autism spectrum. Those that suffer with it typically demonstrate an extreme avoidance of demands. And even simple requests could trigger anxiety.

The Judds’ journey has already inspired others to speak out. In response to Izzy’s post, hundreds of parents shared their own stories of navigating diagnoses and living with uncertainty. Many praised her for her vulnerability and strength.

One follower wrote, “You’ve given a voice to so many of us who stay silent out of fear or sadness. Thank you for your honesty — your family is an inspiration.”

As for what comes next, the Judds say their focus remains entirely on their children. They’ve paused certain work commitments to prioritise family time, with Harry postponing upcoming promotional appearances and Izzy stepping back from her podcast recordings.

“Right now, home is where we need to be,” Harry said simply. “We’re learning, adjusting, and trying to make things as normal and happy as possible for all three of our kids.”

“Pathological demand avoidance is linked with autism and it’s basically about demands that are put on a child who underneath the demand has a lot of anxiety,” Izzy shared.

She added: “From the moment a child wakes up in the morning, they are being told to eat their breakfast, get dressed, brush your teeth. And all these anxieties are forming in them – that people are putting pressure and demands on them.”

Izzy candidly opened up (Credit: Giovanna Fletcher / YouTube)

‘A demand is too anxiety-provoking’

Izzy then said she has changed her parenting approach completely and admitted other people have have seen her methods as “lazy”.

She said: “They don’t respond to authority or hierarchy. They want autonomy, they want to be in control. If you flip it and go: ‘I’ve left your clothes out…’ I actually just don’t even say it any more.

“And I don’t ask many questions at all because that’s placing a demand, and a demand is too anxiety-provoking.”

She continued: “To the outsider looking in, they might see that as a sort of lazy parenting. Or a lack of discipline or whatever it is they want to say.”

“I kind of let go of being late a long time ago. The more pressure you feel – ‘You’ve got to go!’ – the more it’s going to slow everything down. Now I just shove them in the car, and if they’re cold, they’ll put on their coat. Once they feel the autonomy that they’re in control, amazing things happen.”

Izzy ‘felt judgement really heavily’

Izzy then noted: “There are quite rigid societal expectations of how children are supposed to behave. Initially, I felt the judgement really heavily. You have to go through a kind of grief process that things aren’t going to be as you thought they would be.

The McFly drummer Harry Judd and his wife Izzy Judd have revealed heartbreaking news about their family, sharing that one of their children has been diagnosed with a life-changing condition. The emotional revelation has left fans in shock and sympathy, as the beloved couple spoke candidly about the challenges they now face and their determination to stay strong for their family.

In an emotional statement shared earlier this week, Izzy — a talented musician and author — opened up about the moment she and Harry received the devastating diagnosis. “Our world stopped for a moment,” she said. “You never expect to hear those words about your own child.

It was as if everything we thought we knew about our lives shifted in an instant.” Though the Judds have chosen not to disclose the specific condition publicly, they described it as “life-changing” and something that will “affect our child’s future in ways we are still trying to understand.”

The emotional toll has been immense, but both Harry and Izzy have spoken about the incredible support they’ve received from loved ones. “We’re lucky to have such amazing people around us,” Harry said. “Family, friends, and even fans — the love has been overwhelming. It’s reminded us that we’re not alone, even when things feel unbearably heavy.”

Medical professionals have also been closely involved in the Judds’ journey. Izzy described the healthcare team as “angels” who have guided them through every step. “They’ve held our hands, answered our endless questions, and given us hope,” she said. “There are still many unknowns ahead, but we trust we’re in the best hands possible.”

The couple’s decision to share their story publicly comes from a place of compassion, Izzy said, explaining that she hopes it will offer comfort to other parents in similar situations. “When you’re told something like this, you feel completely alone,” she admitted. “But the truth is, there are so many families out there walking the same road. If our story helps even one of them feel less isolated, then it’s worth it.”

Despite the heartbreak, both Harry and Izzy have expressed a renewed sense of purpose. “Our child’s diagnosis doesn’t define them — or us,” Izzy said. “It’s part of our story, but it’s not the whole story. We’re still laughing, still singing, still dancing in the kitchen. Love is what matters most, and we have that in abundance.”

The couple’s resilience has struck a chord with fans who have followed their journey from young romance to parenthood. Their story — one of vulnerability, courage, and unwavering love — continues to inspire countless others.

“For a neurodivergent child, they’re physically unable to sit. It’s not because they don’t want to – they can’t. But then, as a parent, you’re going: ‘I need to teach my child to sit at the table and say please and thank you.’ What if they can’t look at somebody? What if that makes them feel really uncomfortable?”