Paul Scholes, a titan of Manchester United's golden era, has always been a man who lets his actions speak louder than his words. After a celebrated playing career, he transitioned into football punditry, lending his sharp insights to live broadcasts. However, fans have noticed his recent absence from live commentary duties. The reason, as Scholes recently shared, is a deeply personal and powerful one: his commitment to his son, Aiden.
In a candid conversation on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes revealed he has stepped back from the commentary box to prioritise the care of his 20-year-old son, who has severe, non-verbal autism. This decision highlights the often-unseen challenges faced by parents of children with special needs and underscores the profound dedication of a father putting his family first. This blog post explores Scholes' heartfelt decision, the realities of caring for someone with severe autism, and the importance of routine for individuals on the autism spectrum.
A Father's Unwavering Commitment
For Paul Scholes, family has always been the bedrock of his life. He and his ex-wife, Claire, co-parent Aiden, sharing the responsibility of his round-the-clock care. Scholes explained that his work schedule must now revolve entirely around Aiden's needs, particularly his reliance on a strict daily routine.
"Everything I'm going to do now just works around him," Scholes stated on the podcast. "I do studio work, but everything is built around his day."
This commitment became particularly challenging with his commentary work. The unpredictable nature of live football, especially evening matches, clashed directly with the structured life Aiden requires. "Last season on Thursday nights I'd do the Europa League for Manchester United. That's the night I'd usually have him, so he was getting all agitated, biting and scratching," Scholes shared. "He knows the pattern's not there straight away."
This agitation is not born from anger, but from frustration. As Aiden is non-verbal, he cannot easily communicate his feelings or confusion when his routine is disrupted. For Scholes, the choice was clear: he needed to create a life that provided stability for his son, even if it meant stepping away from a high-profile media role.
The Importance of Routine for Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world. For many autistic people, especially those who are non-verbal like Aiden, the world can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. A consistent routine provides a sense of safety and predictability, helping to reduce anxiety.
Scholes described how he and his ex-wife use daily activities to help Aiden understand the structure of his week. "He doesn’t know what day of the week it is or time. But he’ll know from what we’re doing what day it is," he explained.
- Tuesday: Swimming, followed by pizza.
- Thursday: A meal out.
- Sunday: A trip to Tesco for chocolate.
These simple, repeated activities create an understandable framework for Aiden's life. When this pattern is broken, it can cause significant distress. By quitting live commentary, Scholes ensures he can maintain this crucial consistency, providing his son with the stable environment he needs to feel secure.
A Private Struggle During a Public Career
The challenges of raising Aiden were present even during Scholes's illustrious playing career. He admitted that he initially kept his son's diagnosis a secret, struggling to balance his professional duties with his private life.
"I never got a break from it, even when playing - it was very hard in those days," he recalled. Aiden was diagnosed at two-and-a-half years old, and Scholes had never heard of autism before. The weight of this new reality was immense. "I remember the first time after it, we were playing Derby away and I just didn't want to be there." The following week, manager Sir Alex Ferguson dropped him from the team, unaware of the personal turmoil his star midfielder was enduring.
Scholes eventually shared the situation with the club but has always been clear he does not want sympathy. His focus has remained singular: "I just thought, even if I did speak to someone about it, it's not going to help Aiden."
Now, as he gets older, a new concern weighs on his mind. "The big concern now is, because you're getting a bit older, what happens when you're not here? That's the thing that's now on my mind all the time." It's a worry shared by countless parents of children who require lifelong care.
Finding Strength and Community Online
Recently, Scholes has started sharing glimpses of his life with Aiden on social media. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, creating an unexpected source of community and support. He was moved by the number of parents in similar situations who reached out.
"It was just the response he had from people, you know parents, the amount of people saying ‘god that helps’, we’ve got a kid that’s the same or something like that," he said. "That’s why I carried on doing it."
This connection demonstrates the power of shared experience. By being open about his family's journey, Scholes has inadvertently become a source of comfort and solidarity for others navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism.
A New Chapter
Paul Scholes's decision to step back from commentary is a powerful reminder that behind every public figure is a private life with its own set of challenges and priorities. His story is not just about a footballer's career change, but about a father's love and dedication. He has chosen a path that puts his son's well-being above all else, demonstrating a form of strength and character that transcends any trophy or accolade won on the football pitch.
While fans will miss his sharp analysis from the gantry, his actions off the pitch offer a far more profound lesson in loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family.
