James McClean has spoken beautifully about living with autism as a professional footballer.
The 103-times capped Irishman was diagnosed in 2023, revealing he had ASD during autism awareness week.
McClean's daughter Willow-Ivy had been diagnosed with autism weeks previously, and the Ireland international decided to get an assessment after discovering similarities in their thought processes.
Two years on, once again to raise awareness for autism awareness week, McClean has penned a beautiful column musing on how he feels living with autism has helped him as a footballer.
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James McClean gives powerful statement on autism diagnosis
21 November 2023; James McClean of Republic of Ireland with his children, from left, Allie Mae, Willow Ivy and Junior James are greeted by President of Ireland Michael D Higgins before the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
James McClean was one of a number of Irish figures featured in a new book, Wired Our Own Way - An Anthology Of Irish Autistic Voices.
The new collection was released on Friday and was edited by Niamh Garvey.
An excerpt from the book by McClean was serialised by the Irish Independent this weekend, and gives a beautiful insight into living with autism.
The Derryman said that he is proud to be autistic and hopes to be an inspiration not only to his daughter but to all young people living with ASD.
Overall, I am proud to be autistic. It is something that makes me, me. It is something that further connects me and Willow, and will let her know that, no matter what challenges she ever faces, her daddy can help her, along with her mammy, brother and sisters.
I think that a lot of my career can be attributed in some way to my traits — I am obsessed with football. Training and getting fitter, faster and stronger is something that has been in me for years. I never want Willow to be afraid of chasing her dreams. I would hate for autistic people to think that chasing their dreams is something they cannot do.
That is another reason why I am so proud to be autistic and hopeful that somebody will be inspired by what I have done in my career.
It's a beautiful, telling statement from McClean, with a powerful admission that living with autism has, in ways, helped him reach even higher heights during his footballing career.
Perhaps most beautiful is that McClean saves the final word for his daughter, Willow-Ivy, saying, "It is something that makes you special, the best kind of special. And I have a daughter that is the best kind of special and inspires me every single day."
Wonderful stuff from James McClean.
'Wired Our Own Way - An Anthology Of Irish Autistic Voices' is out in Irish bookshops now
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