Richard Wilkins’ Heartfelt Reflections on His Son Adam: “He Will Always Be My Son”

For decades, Australians have known Richard Wilkins as one of television’s most recognisable faces. But away from the cameras, the veteran broadcaster has often spoken about the deeply personal journey that has shaped him most — being the father of his eldest son, Adam, who was born with Down syndrome.

Rather than dwelling on hardship, Wilkins has consistently described Adam as one of the greatest blessings in his life, sharing a message of unconditional love that continues to resonate years later.

Becoming a Father at Just 18

Wilkins was only 18 years old when Adam was born, while Adam’s mother was just 16.

Looking back, he admitted that becoming a parent at such a young age was overwhelming, and learning that his son had Down syndrome made those early days even more challenging.

“It was a shock to be a parent, let alone of a Down syndrome child.”

He has never hidden how difficult those first years were, describing them as a period filled with uncertainty as two teenagers tried to navigate parenthood.

The Most Difficult Decision He Ever Made

When Adam was about one year old, Wilkins and Adam’s mother made the heartbreaking decision to place him in specialised residential care in New Zealand.

At the time, Wilkins was trying to establish his career and acknowledged that, as a very young father, he wasn’t equipped to provide the level of care Adam needed.

“It was with some reluctance that after about a year we put Adam in a home.”

Despite the emotional decision, Wilkins has always emphasised that it was never about walking away from his son. Instead, he believed it was the best way to ensure Adam received the support and care he deserved.

“He Will Always Be My Son”

Wilkins has revealed that some people suggested he place Adam up for adoption.

It was advice he never considered accepting.

“People said, ‘You can have him adopted.’ But I thought, ‘He is always going to be my son, and I want a relationship with him.'”

Those words have come to define the bond between father and son.

Although Adam has lived in specialised care for much of his life, Wilkins has remained closely involved, maintaining a loving relationship and regularly spending time with him.

A Relationship Built on Love, Not Circumstance

Rather than viewing Down syndrome as a tragedy, Wilkins has often spoken about the joy Adam has brought to his family.

“To have a Down syndrome person in your family is an absolute joy.”

He has also paid tribute to the carers who have supported Adam over the years, saying he has been fortunate to have “great people” around him throughout his life.

“My Rock”

Perhaps the most touching description Wilkins has ever given of Adam is also the simplest.

He once called his eldest son “my rock.”

It’s a phrase that reflects how profoundly Adam has influenced his father’s life—not through fame or achievement, but through unconditional love, resilience and quiet strength.

Years after first sharing his family’s story, Wilkins’ message remains unchanged: circumstances may have shaped their journey, but they have never changed the bond between a father and his son.