Leland Vittert: A Journey of Determination and Success Leland Vittert exemplifies how unwavering determination and resilience can pave the way to success, even in the face of significant challenges. His life story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.
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Leland Vittert, 43, is a significant figure in journalism, currently serving as a prominent anchor for NewsNation. His career has included reporting from challenging environments, including war zones, while at Fox News. However, beneath his professional achievements lies a personal challenge: Vittert is on the autism spectrum.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Vittert discussed his upbringing in Missouri, where he faced substantial obstacles. He did not speak until the age of three, struggled to form friendships, and experienced persistent bullying during his school years. Vittert found it particularly difficult to understand emotional nuances and social interactions.
Early struggles and parental support
Vittert’s childhood was characterized by what was once referred to as ‘social blindness,’ a condition that affected his ability to recognize social cues and emotional expressions. This condition is now understood as part of the autism spectrum and underlined his difficulties in connecting with peers.
Despite early concerns voiced by teachers, Vittert’s parents opted against labeling him with autism or enrolling him in special education. They feared the stigma associated with such a diagnosis and believed that mainstream education would better equip him for life.
Instead, Vittert’s father, Mark, took the initiative to help him navigate social environments. He dedicated countless hours to teaching Leland how to interpret social signals that others absorbed intuitively. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for Vittert’s successful career in broadcasting.
In his new book, Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey With Autism, Vittert outlines the systematic teachings of his father that aided his adaptation to social situations. Mark Vittert worked tirelessly to instill essential social skills in his son, emphasizing the importance of maintaining eye contact and engaging with the topics introduced by others, rather than solely focusing on his interests.
This method of ‘reprogramming’ proved crucial as Vittert advanced through life. He recalls that following a delayed start in verbal communication, he quickly learned to articulate his thoughts in complete sentences. Although his first words are not remembered, they likely involved typical childhood requests, such as asking for ice cream.
Challenges and insights in adulthood
Although Vittert received an autism diagnosis in his twenties, his journey toward understanding his condition has continued into adulthood. He remains attentive to social interactions, often utilizing mental checklists to ensure appropriate connections with others. He recounted a recent golf game with his father-in-law, during which he became so focused on packing his golf clubs that he neglected to engage in conversation. This incident prompted him to reflect on his behavior and apologize afterward.
Vittert’s resolve to not let autism define him is evident in his approach to relationships. He follows his father’s advice to avoid using his diagnosis as an excuse, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability. He intentionally did not mention his autism in his apology, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and social responsibility.
Advocacy and awareness
As autism rates continue to rise in the United States, from one in 1,000 in the 1980s to one in 31 today, Vittert embraces his role as an advocate for awareness. He acknowledges the ongoing discussions about the causes of autism, which range from environmental factors to genetic predispositions. Vittert appreciates the increased attention autism is receiving in public discourse, especially from influential figures, as it promotes essential conversations about the condition.
In his awareness efforts, Vittert aims to inspire families facing similar challenges. He underscores the significance of hope and community support, asserting that dedicated parenting can lead to meaningful progress for children on the spectrum. His book is not a blueprint for transforming autistic children into public figures, but a testament to the love and effort that can foster positive outcomes.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Vittert discussed his upbringing in Missouri, where he faced substantial obstacles. He did not speak until the age of three, struggled to form friendships, and experienced persistent bullying during his school years. Vittert found it particularly difficult to understand emotional nuances and social interactions.0
