Paul Scholes prioritizes family amid personal challenges
Paul Scholes has opened up about the significant impact of his autistic son, Aiden, on his life and career, revealing that he has had to limit his professional commitments to better support his family, reports BritPanorama.
Aiden, born in December 2004, was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of two and a half. Since then, the Scholes family has faced emotional challenges as they have navigated the care required for Aiden, who is non-verbal.
In a recent interview, Scholes explained how his work is now structured around Aiden’s routine. “All the work I do now is just around his routines, ‘cos he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I’m going to do, it is around Aiden,” he said.
Scholes also shared details of his daily interactions with Aiden, noting that their activities revolve around familiar patterns to provide stability for his son. “I pick him up every Tuesday from his daycare and we go swimming. He loves swimming, then we get his pizza on the way home,” he said, detailing their weekly routine that includes shopping trips and shared meals.
He emphasised Aiden’s understanding, despite his inability to speak, stating, “I think he understands a lot more than we think.” Reflecting on the challenges he faced during his football career, Scholes admitted that the diagnosis had a profound effect on both his personal and professional life. “I never got a break from it… I don’t think (doctors) diagnosed it until they were two-and-a-half years old,” he said, recalling the stress it added to his time on the pitch.
Despite changes in his personal life, including a split from his wife Claire Froggatt, Scholes remains committed to ensuring Aiden’s well-being. The couple, who were married in 1999, still work together to provide the best possible life for their son, underscoring their long-standing partnership since childhood.
The shift in focus for Scholes comes as he steps back from media duties in order to prioritise his family, stating, “media appearances will be limited now, with the Red Devils legend keen to commit himself to Aiden and his needs.”
As Scholes balances the demands of parenthood with his past as a football icon, his reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the personal challenges that often accompany public success, illustrating the complexities of life beyond the pitch.
