PAUL SCHOLES has opened up on the challenges of having a child with “severe special needs”.
The Manchester United legend’s son Aiden, 20, was diagnosed with autism as a child and is non-verbal.
GettyPaul Scholes’ son Aiden, pictured in his arms, has severe autism[/caption]
instagramAiden is now 20-years-old and non-verbal[/caption]
During today’s episode of The Overlap, Scholes was asked what has had the “biggest impact” on his life.
In the show, which is yet to air, the former England star did not answer.
But Scholes, 42, subsequently posted on Instagram to clarify his true feelings.
The TNT Sports pundit wrote on his Story: “Just filmed an Overlap and we were asked the question. What has had the biggest impact on our lives, to which I couldn’t answer even though I knew…
“Without question having a boy with severe special needs, wishing he was normal every single day and then realising how lucky I am when I see another family that are worse off than we are.
“The undoubted impact it has on his brother and sister kills me every single day…
“No way I could that say that in front of people or on Telly…
“Bye.”
Scholes, 42, opened up on his Instagram Story
Scholes has three children with wife Claire; Arron, 25, Alicia, 23, and Aiden.
In 2021, the former midfielder opened up on the challenges of having an autistic son during a BBC documentary hosted by Paddy McGuinness.
Speaking to McGuinness, who has three autistic children, Scholes said: “For those first few years of being diagnosed you think he’s just delayed, eventually he’ll start talking.
“When you get to 12, 13, 14… now he’s 16 it’s never going to happen. He’s never going to be neurotypical, but he’s great and you have to accept it.”
Scholes went on to add: “I’ve never said this before. I’m looking at him thinking he might have to go into care. I just don’t know how you handle that.”
During the chat, Scholes also revealed that Aiden’s initial diagnosis affected his performances on the pitch.
The Man Utd legend said: “We got the diagnosis. We were playing Derby away. I was terrible, absolutely shocking.
“I didn’t want to be there. Head was gone. I was worrying about autism, reading, trying to find out anything I could.”
Key characteristics of autism
These are some features of autism that many people with it experience. Autism is a spectrum, so everyone shows symptoms differently.
Sensitive to senses
Autistic people can be much more or less sensitive than non-autistic people to the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell).
This also extends to senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states, such as hunger and temperature.
Social differences
People with autism may find social interactions harder because they have difficulty; interpratiting social cues; facial expressions; maintaining eye contact; recognising sarcasm.
They may find tehy prefer to spend time alone because social interactions can be confusing.
Autism can be verbal (someone who uses communication) or non-verbal (they use other means to communicate). People can flit between the two.
Repetitive behaviours
‘Restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests’ is often listed as a trait of autism, but the National Autistic Society says many people with the condition actually find these behaviours as positive and helpful.
It is also sometimes referred to as stimming or self-regulatory behaviour.
Examples include having a strong passion or interest in a hobby, repeated behaviours like hair twirling or rocking, and preference for routine or rules to be followed.
Emotional dysregulation
People with autism may struggle to manage feelings such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness, which could lead to a ‘meltdown’ (extreme or intense outburst of emotions) or ‘shutdown’ (withdrawal).
Source: National Autistic Society
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