Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, a celebrated figure in the world of football, has made a significant decision to step back from his prominent role as a television pundit. The 50-year-old has chosen to prioritize his family, specifically his 20-year-old son Aiden, who has severe non-verbal autism.
Scholes revealed that Aiden's autism significantly impacts their daily life, requiring a structured and consistent routine. Aiden, who will turn 21 in December, communicates through sounds that are primarily understood by his close family and needs constant supervision. Disruptions to his routine can lead to agitation, which had previously resulted in incidents of biting and scratching when Scholes' punditry commitments interfered with their time together.
In an interview on the "Stick to Football" podcast, Scholes emphasized the importance of aligning his professional life with Aiden's needs. He explained that his work schedule often clashed with Aiden's routine, causing distress. To ensure Aiden's well-being and stability, Scholes has decided to ساختار his professional commitments around his son's daily life.
Scholes has been a regular face in broadcast analysis since his retirement from professional football in 2013. However, he has not been involved in live match coverage for TNT Sports this season. While he will be stepping away from live television punditry, Scholes plans to continue working in a limited capacity in studio-based roles with TNT Sports and on his podcast, "The Good, The Bad and The Football," which he co-hosts with Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness. These roles offer him greater flexibility and allow him to maintain a better balance between his career and family responsibilities.
To provide Aiden with the necessary stability, Scholes and his son follow a strict daily routine. Certain activities serve as markers for the days of the week, creating a sense of predictability for Aiden. For example, Tuesdays include swimming followed by pizza, Thursdays involve a meal outing, and Sundays mean a trip to Tesco for chocolate. Scholes has emphasized that "all the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I'm going to do it is around Aiden".
Scholes' decision to prioritize his son's care has drawn widespread praise and admiration. He has also started sharing glimpses of his life with Aiden on social media, which has been met with supportive feedback from other parents in similar situations.
In addition to his commitment to Aiden, Scholes revealed that he and his wife, Claire, have separated after 26 years of marriage. Despite the split in 2020, they continue to co-parent Aiden, ensuring his routine remains consistent. Scholes mentioned that he has Aiden three nights a week, while Claire and her mother care for him on other days, highlighting their dedication to providing a stable and supportive environment for their son. Scholes and Claire have three children: Arron, Alicia, and Aiden. Arron, 23, plays attacking midfield for Chadderton Football Club, and Alicia is a netball player.
Scholes' decision reflects a growing awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by families with autistic children. His willingness to step away from a high-profile career to focus on his son's needs is a testament to his dedication as a father and serves as an inspiration to others.
