Autism affects individuals and families from every background—including Premier League and England footballers.
Manchester City and England star Phil Foden has spoken candidly about growing up with his younger brother, who is autistic, and the important role he has played in supporting his family.
Speaking about the responsibilities he assumed from a young age, Foden said:
“My brother’s got autism, so when I was growing up, I’d do a lot of time like looking after him.”
His honest words offer a valuable insight into the contribution siblings can make within families. They also remind us that, regardless of a person’s success, profession or public profile, the need for appropriate autism support can affect anyone.
Foden has reportedly seen first-hand the pressures placed upon his mother while caring for his brother and has arranged professional care to provide additional support for the family.
Autism affects the whole family
Autism is a lifelong developmental difference, and every autistic person is unique. Some people live independently with little or no formal support, while others may require significant assistance with communication, personal care, emotional regulation, daily routines, safety and accessing their community.
The support required should never be determined by a diagnosis alone. It must be based upon the person’s individual strengths, communication style, sensory needs, preferences, risks and aspirations.
Family members frequently provide a great deal of unpaid care and support. Parents and siblings may assist with everyday routines, appointments, communication, personal care, emotional reassurance and safety—often alongside employment, education, parenting and other responsibilities.
Foden’s comments show that these experiences are not limited to any particular type of family. Even someone performing at the highest levels of Premier League and international football can be personally affected by the responsibilities, concerns and emotions associated with supporting an autistic relative.
Seeking support is a positive decision
Arranging professional care should never be viewed as abandoning a family responsibility or admitting failure. In many cases, it is a positive and loving decision that protects the wellbeing of the autistic person and those closest to them.
The right support can relieve some of the practical pressures experienced by relatives while allowing them to concentrate on being parents, brothers, sisters and loved ones rather than feeling responsible for every aspect of care.
Professional support can also give families reassurance that their relative is being supported by trained and competent staff who understand their individual communication, routines, preferences and risks.
The importance of consistent, person-centred care
For many autistic people, familiarity, predictability and trusted relationships are particularly important. Frequent changes of staff or inconsistent approaches can create unnecessary anxiety and make it more difficult for the person to feel understood.
Small, carefully matched staff teams can develop a detailed understanding of:
how the individual communicates;
what is important to them;
their preferred routines and activities;
their sensory preferences;
situations that may cause anxiety or distress;
how they express pain, discomfort or emotion;
the reassurance they find helpful; and
how to support them safely without unnecessarily restricting their independence.
Person-centred support should recognise what an individual can do and help them build upon their strengths. It should not focus solely upon difficulties or risks.
Effective autism support can help a person to:
exercise choice and control over their daily life;
communicate their wishes and preferences;
develop and retain independent-living skills;
participate in education, employment and meaningful activities;
access their community safely;
develop and maintain relationships;
prepare for changes and transitions;
improve their confidence and wellbeing; and
live a fulfilling life on their own terms.
Professional support should work alongside families
Families often possess an unrivalled understanding of the person’s history, communication and needs. Their knowledge should be respected and, where appropriate and consented to, incorporated into assessments, care plans and risk-management arrangements.
Professional care should complement these relationships rather than replace them. The strongest outcomes are usually achieved when the individual, their family, care provider and relevant health and social care professionals work together.
This collaborative approach can ensure that support remains consistent, responsive and focused upon the outcomes that matter most to the person.
Families should not have to reach crisis point
Too many families struggle for long periods before receiving appropriate assistance. Support should be available before relatives become exhausted or arrangements begin to break down.
Early access to suitable assessments, respite, community support and supported living can:
improve the wellbeing of the autistic person;
reduce pressure upon parents and siblings;
help maintain important family relationships;
prevent avoidable crises and placement breakdowns;
reduce the risk of unnecessary hospital admission; and
create more stable and sustainable long-term arrangements.
Foden’s willingness to discuss his family experience helps raise awareness of a reality shared by many people. Behind every diagnosis is an individual with their own personality, interests and ambitions—and often a family working hard to ensure they receive the right support.
How Seven Care Services can help
Seven Care Services provides specialist, person-centred services for autistic children, young people and adults. Our work includes autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments, supported living, complex care and support within the community.
We operate small, consistent staff teams so that individuals can build trusted relationships with staff who understand their communication, routines, preferences and needs. Staff receive specialist autism training, including the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, alongside training and competency assessments tailored to each person.
Our clinical governance is supported by an experienced Clinical Lead who is both a Registered General Nurse and Registered Mental Health Nurse. The Clinical Lead oversees clinical care planning, risk management, specialist training and staff competency, helping to ensure that support is safe, responsive and personalised.
As a CQC-rated Good provider, Seven Care Services works collaboratively with individuals, families, commissioners and multidisciplinary professionals to create safe and sustainable packages of support.
Autism can affect families from every part of society—from households in our local communities to the families of Premier League and England footballers. Nobody should feel that they must manage without help.
Seeking support is a sign of strength. With understanding, consistency and the right care, autistic people and their families can feel supported, maintain meaningful relationships and enjoy a better quality of life.
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