Ireland star James McClean reveals autism diagnosis

Republic of Ireland international James McClean has revealed he's been diagnosed with autism.

The 33-year-old Derryman, who came off the bench during Monday night's 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifier defeat to France, detailed his diagnosis in a post on Instagram.

McClean's young daughter is autistic, and it was her diagnosis that led him to having an autism spectrum disorder [ASD] assessment.

"As you all know, my daughter Willow-Ivy is autistic," McClean wrote.

"The last four years have been life changing in the most amazing way but also very difficult at times as her daddy watching her overcome so many obstacles in her life and learning how to manage the challenges she faces on a daily basis.

"The more [McClean's wife] Erin and I learned about autism the more we began to recognise I was very similar to Willow in more ways than we thought.

"I see so many small traits in her that I see in myself. So I decided to go and get an ASD assessment.

"It's been a bit of a journey and now having a diagnosis I feel it's time to share it, for the week that's in it.

"I have debated for a while going public in sharing this as I've done this for Willow-Ivy, to let her know that I understand and that being autistic won't and should never hold her back from reaching her goals and dreams."

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