In this week’s episode of Parenting Great Kids, I had the privilege of speaking with journalist Leland Vittert, who opened up for the first time about his life on the autism spectrum. His honesty and courage moved me deeply. Through his new memoir, Born Lucky, Leland shares how he faced adversity, challenged perceptions, and built a life defined not by labels—but by strength, perseverance, and the unwavering love of a parent.
This post reflects on the heart of Leland’s story—one that will inspire every parent striving to help their child rise above life’s challenges.
The Courage to Share
For much of his life, Leland Vittert kept his autism diagnosis private, encouraged by his father’s wisdom to avoid being defined by a label. But now, with Born Lucky, he’s stepping into the light—offering a message of hope to parents raising children with autism or other developmental challenges.
What struck me most during our conversation was Leland’s desire to help other families see that autism does not have to be a limitation. His story is a reminder that with love, perseverance, and structure, children can grow into their greatest potential—often in ways that surprise us all.
