"I see so many small traits in her that I see in myself."
James McClean has revealed in a heartwarming Instagram post about his daughter that he is autistic.
The Republic of Ireland star has talked before about autism as his daughter was diagnosed with it early in her life.
As McClean and his wife, Erin learned more and more about the condition and tried to understand it better, the more the Derry native related to it.
With it being Autism Awareness Week, the dad posted a lovely message on Instagram as he decided to go public with the news that he too has autism.
"As you all know, my daughter Willow-Ivy is autistic.
"The last 4 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 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.
"Daddy’s girl."
World Autism Acceptance Week is from 27th March to 2nd April.
