There are calls for changes to be made in football after Charlie Austin speaks up via his social media on his recent ADHD diagnosis.
The 35 year old, who earlier this summer signed for AFC Totton, had previously spoke on his daughters who were separately diagnosed with ADHD and autism, while also discovering traits in himself, so got himself tested and found he had ADHD too.
Now he’s personally spoken about that via his social media, while also reflecting on his career, and how he’s coping with it now.
Name: Charlie Austin
Superpower: ADHD🦸🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/axiCNlnLkm— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) August 27, 2024
28th March- 3rd April is World Autism Acceptance Week.
Having two girls at home with ASD i promised id go pink for them this week to help raise awareness 💗 pic.twitter.com/4NP0RjBO8O
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) March 28, 2022
Charlie Austin said in his post: “After both my daughters were separately diagnosed with ADHD and Autism i made it a priority to become more aware of the challenges they may face and how i could get as much knowledge as i could to be the best parent possible to help them and advocate for them the best i could.
“Weirdly, the more i learnt about ADHD the more i thought, “this sounds a bit like me”.
“I have always been impulsive, i moved my family to the other side of the world before even visiting the country, and i say things as they are and as i see them (Parklife will haunt me forever) When everyone else was enjoying their day off a week from football i found myself hugely agitated with the lack of routine that day meant for me.
“I would have to have something planned for my day off in advance or i would lose my mind! When things were great in football i would sail through life, but when things wernt so great i would get extremely low!
“Periods of injury were the worst, i would hit rock bottom and drag the ones i loved down with me!
“But day to day even little things would really effect my mood and everyone in the house suffered.
“I couldn’t sit still in meetings or keep focus. When starting my B licence i had to do the written work in small segments, i couldn’t sit there for hours on end, my concentration span wouldn’t allow it!
“18 months ago after discussions with my wife and best friend i decided to see a professional about this, and after many assessments i was diagnosed with combined ADHD -scoring high in hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness.
“Even though i suspected it the diagnosis still came as a major shock to me! I went through all the emotions – Confusion, upset, anger.
“How different would my life have been if i had the diagnosis at 20 instead of 34?
“But, i had always told my girls ADHD was their superpower, so realised i had to approach my diagnosis with the same view.
“Maybe i wouldn’t of got my break in football if i didn’t have ADHD?
“Was the hyper focus i always had whilst playing football because of my ADHD?
“Was my reactive decision making due to my inherent impulsivity?
“I realised im still me, i just get to understand me better!
“The same way i learned how to understand my girls better.
“My consultant suggested i start medication, however ADHD medications are listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list as they are classed as a performance enhancing drug, so medication wasn’t an option whilst playing professional football.
“When i said i chose to step away from professional football for my family, i cant pretend this wasnt one of those family reasons.
“It really surprises me its still classed as a banned substance even if you have a professional diagnosis.
“Im sure the lows in football, especially when injured, wouldn’t of been anywhere near as bad if i had a diagnosis and medication back then.
“Im now 4 months into medication.
“It took a while to find the right drug and dose for me, but i got there eventually, and honestly life is great!
“Im enjoying football, i am coping with the daily stresses so much easier now.
“I don’t lose my mind every day theres no routine. I think before i speak and i am no where near as impulsive.
“All my focus is on playing football and coaching kids, some kids who were like me.
“I understand me, my family understand me.
“Most importantly Im happy and my family are happy!
“People always say there is no point getting a diagnosis in adult life, honestly, they couldn’t be more wrong! It really is the best choice ive made!”
As mentioned, there are calls for changes to be made in football after Charlie Austin speaks up on his ADHD diagnosis…
@LowerLeagueLook: This is astounding to read. Changes need to be made in the game. ADHD isn’t a joke and it certainly isn’t an easy life if you aren’t allowed medication. Fair play @chazaustin10 for speaking up.
@JohnDavidWood59: This will really help others, well done mate
@Syaiffrie: I feel you Charlie. With 2 ADHD kid, and most probably having the same ‘superpower’ only that I never got diagnosed for it. You’re not alone mate. Embrace the ‘superpower’
@IrishQpr: Fair play to you Charlie, total respect, best of luck to you and your family for the future, and thanks again for some great time as QPR player 👍
@Azzer1989221: As someone who has an autistic daughter and is waiting to hear from nhs about myself reading this hit differently!
@Bobbylaw88: My son austin has adhd and were currently going through austism testing football is his life his passion i feel exactly the same but currently having to wait upto 3years for a diagnosis but seeing what he goes through reminds me of myself when i was his age
@Baggies____Boy: Thinking about getting a diagnosis my self at 42. The long NHS wait or huge private costs put me off.
@Discostuqpr: Charlie you are the man , my son is on the autism spectrum and we are just waiting on the final diagnosis, whilst waiting for this he has been diagnosed with severed adhd, he’s just started on his medication journey, one day he will pull the qpr top on just like you, hopefully
@TheSmiths1986: Thanks for opening up about this Chaz, You will help lots of people. I was diagnosed at 8 and it has helped to know it puts everything in perspective.
@rangersteve77: Chaz as someone who was diagnosed last year age 46 with combined ADHD & Autism welcome to the club i also have three kids all the same as me and it has taken some getting used to but I’m also now on some medication which seems to help and thank for speaking out as well 🔵⚪
@m_sherwood34: Got a lot of respect for this. I used to be medicated for it when I was younger but decided not to carry on using it after I turned 13 as the football got more physical. The medication held me back a lot of impulsive situations like 50-50s a lot.
@CW_QPR: Well done Chaz for speaking up about ADHD. 👏 So important we all raise awareness about it.
@LegallySwin: I hope this spreads more awareness about ADHD and also highlight the issue of athletes with ADHD being unable to medicate adequately in fear of doping rules or having to cut careers short. It takes strength and courage to put a statement like this out. #stfc
You must be logged in to post a comment Login