James McClean on his autism diagnosis and his bond with daughter Willow

McClean, whose six-year-old daughter Willow is also autistic, received his diagnosis last year and said: “Would I be in the position I am today without it? Probably not.

He is sometimes fiery and impulsive, is deeply principled and is almost weekly the target of abuse from the nastiest elements among opposition supporters. McClean spoke about his bond with Willow, who was with him at yesterday’s event along with wife Erin, saying: “I think she will always be daddy's girl.“But look, it has definitely been a hard journey. For the first few years Willow was really, really tough, because she was non-verbal for the first two years.

“It is easier now but it is a journey we are on and learning about everyday. I am learning about autism every day. And he addressed how lucky they were that they didn’t face the same struggles in accessing services - such as school places and essential therapies - as so many parents of autistic children.

James Mcclean Autism Wrexham FC

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