Paul Scholes has made a significant decision to shift his focus towards caring for his autistic son, Aiden. This change comes as Scholes balances his professional life in punditry and his family responsibilities.
Scholes’ Commitment to Family
In a recent interview, Scholes emphasized that his current work arrangements will allow him to dedicate more time to Aiden. “Everything I’m going to do now just works around him,” Scholes stated. He intends to continue his role on TNT Sports and maintain his podcast, “The Good, The Bad and The Football,” featuring Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness.
The Impact of Autism
Scholes shared the challenges he faces as a parent of an autistic child. Aiden struggles with communication, which leads to frustration manifested in physical behaviors, such as biting and scratching. Scholes recalled a time when he went to training with visible marks on his face, stemming from Aiden’s inability to express his feelings. “He’d bite your arm or scratch you just out of frustration,” he explained.
Diagnosis Journey
Aiden was diagnosed with autism when he was two-and-a-half years old. Scholes reflected on the early signs of the condition, noting how he initially felt unprepared for the challenges ahead. “We didn’t know what was in store for us,” he remarked, describing the uncertainty that parents often experience.
Healthcare Challenges
Scholes also discussed the difficulties Aiden faced concerning healthcare. Without the ability to communicate his pain, Aiden endured dental issues for several months. “He had painful toothaches for nearly a year,” Scholes noted, highlighting the struggle of taking Aiden to a special needs dentist. Aiden eventually had to be treated under sedation due to his anxiety about dental procedures.
- Painful toothaches for nine months.
- Special needs dental intervention required.
- Aiden’s inability to communicate pain led to distress.
Sharing Experiences
Recently, Scholes has begun sharing aspects of Aiden’s life online. His posts have resonated with many parents facing similar challenges, prompting positive feedback. “The response from people was overwhelming,” he mentioned. The support received has motivated Scholes to continue sharing their experiences.
Looking Forward
As he embraces this new chapter, Scholes remains focused on the well-being of his son. He continues to explore ways to balance his career in punditry with his family life. This commitment allows him to be present for Aiden and adapt his professional responsibilities as needed.
Paul Scholes’ journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of parenting an autistic child while managing a busy career. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of family and support in navigating life’s complexities.
