Paul Scholes quits punditry to care for autistic son
Football legend Paul Scholes has revealed that he stepped back from live punditry duties to prioritise caring for his son, Aiden, who is non-verbal and has a severe form of autism.
Scholes, 50, said that he made the decision this year to build his work schedule entirely around his son’s daily routines because disruption caused Aiden distress and agitation. He explained that while he still participates in studio and podcast work, he no longer commits to live broadcast roles that would interfere with the periods when he looks after his son.
He described how Aiden, now 20, depends on consistency and familiarity. Scholes said: “Everything I’m going to do now just works around him … He has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I’m going to do it is around Aiden.”
Scholes co-parents Aiden with his ex-wife, Claire, and explained that he has him for three nights each week. During those nights he plans specific, familiar activities such as swimming on Tuesdays and trips to the supermarket on Sundays so Aiden can follow a clear pattern he understands.
The former Manchester United midfielder admitted that the early years of his son’s diagnosis affected his own performance and wellbeing. He recalled that before the diagnosis of autism, he often felt unable to focus properly, and at times his mind was elsewhere.
Scholes expressed the ongoing concern about the long-term future, saying that although he and his ex-wife give their best today, he still worries about what will happen when he is no longer able to be there for his son.
