We’ve come a long way in understanding how neurodivergence expresses itself in kids, compared to when I became a new mom. But even now, an Autism diagnosis can feel like some of the most dreaded words imaginable to a parent.

Can you fathom what it was like for parents in the 1980s?

Leland Vittert can. And even though his parents chose not to share his diagnosis with him until his early 20’s, he now knows the whole story of what they went through for him.

Leland is a successful journalist with his own nightly news show. But when he was a kid, Leland struggled to relate to his classmates. He was bullied by other kids, and at times, by teachers as well. After Leland was diagnosed with Autism, (now considered level 1, formerly known as Aspergers), his father made it his mission to help Leland learn the skills he’d need to function in a world that would not understand or mold to his differences.

Leland tells the whole inspiring story in his new book Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism. He’s here to share his gratitude to his dad, and offer hope to parents who are anxious about how to best support their neurodivergent kids.

Something clicked while listening?

We’d love to talk with you if you want to dig deeper into your family’s specific situation. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start knowing what works, it might be worth a conversation. https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-334

About Randi Rubenstein

Randi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong-willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He’s now in his 20’s, healthy and happy-ish:). She’s been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker” parents like herself for almost two decades.

Randi’s Web and Social Links

Website: https://mastermindparenting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparenting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/

About Leland Vittert

Leland Vittert is the host of On Balance with Leland Vittert and serves as NewsNation’s Chief Washington Anchor. A veteran journalist, Vittert joined NewsNation in May 2021, where he has been pivotal in covering national affairs and delivering special reports across the network’s primetime weeknight newscasts. Before joining NewsNation, Vittert worked for Fox News from 2010 to 2021, starting as a foreign correspondent based in Jerusalem and later anchor and correspondent in Washington.

Leland’s Web and Social Links

Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism: https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9781400254750/born-lucky/
On Balance with Leland Vittert: https://www.newsnationnow.com/on-balance-with-leland-vittert/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lelandvittert/
X: https://x.com/LelandVittert

Resources Discussed/Links

Our 12-week Basics Bootcamp program is now available as a 100% online self-study course! https://mastermindparenting.com/minimasters/

Live assessment: https://mastermindparenting.com/live-assessment/

How a Dedicated Dad Helped His Son Transcend A Diagnosis (with Leland Vittert)