FAW Safia Middleton-Patel draws confidence from Lucy Bronzeâs candid discussion on autism and ADHD, finding inspiration to embrace her own neurodiversity. Following her 2023 diagnosis, Middleton-Patel reflects on the pressures of early success in her career, having achieved her club and international debuts at just 18. The abrupt shift in her life led to overwhelming feelings, prompting her to seek help. Reflecting on her struggles, she emphasizes the importance of seeking support and aims to inspire others as Bronze has inspired her.
Lucy Bronze, ever since I was at the Liverpool academy, I'd always look up to her. When she came out with her diagnoses, for me, it was eye-opening. We're not the same, the diagnosis isn't the same, but we're the same person in a high-level sporting environment.
I was 18 and I was at United's academy. There was one week in particular that I just hit a brick wall. I made my Championship debut with Coventry, a couple of days later I made my debut with Wales in the senior squad. I remember flying home and it just felt like everything crashed around me.
Collection
[
|
...
]