Scholes reveals son is autistic

Paul Scholes

FORMER England footballer Paul Scholes has revealed that his youngest son is autistic.

The Grasscroft-based star speaks about his experience of having a son who suffers from the developmental disorder in a serialisation of his autobiography, “Scholes: My Story”, in a national newspaper.

The former Manchester United midfielder said the benefits from his career would not mean anything to him without his wife, Claire, and three children — who he calls his “new generation of Red Devils”.

The 36–year–old said of his six-year-old son: “Aiden suffers from autism and has quite severe learning difficulties, so he can’t take part in most sports at the moment, though he does absolutely love swimming.

“He seems in his element when he is in the pool, he’s a real water baby. It’s wonderful that he’s got that to enjoy.

“Some children with autism are scared of water but Aiden’s the opposite. He’d be swimming every minute of the day if he could.

“We hope his condition improves but we’re not banking on it, just doing everything we can to make sure he has a happy life. He has a load of people trying to help him, speech and play therapists for example.

“Aiden’s in his own little world, and it is some consolation that he does seem content with it.”

Autism causes problems with social skills and communication, and is associated with repetitive and restrictive behaviour.