Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci The Crushing Loneliness of Growing Up With Autism - Leland Vittert
Oct 8, 2025
Leland Vittert, Chief Washington Anchor for NewsNation and author of *Born Lucky*, shares his poignant journey growing up with autism. He discusses the early signs of his condition and the impactful moment of diagnosis, highlighting how his father's unique techniques helped him learn social cues. Leland also reflects on the struggle against invisibility and the resilience built through his father's tough love. This heartfelt conversation underscores the importance of hope and high expectations in parenting, aiming to inspire both parents and individuals facing similar challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A Parenting Reckoning
- Leland wrote the book not for himself but to give parents hope as diagnoses rise and parenting approaches face a reckoning.
- He contrasts gentle parenting bubble-wrap instincts with the value of persevering through adversity.
Adapt Child To World
- Adapt the child to the world rather than adapting the world to the child, says Leland's father.
- Set expectations, hold standards, and coach the child through difficult tasks instead of removing challenges.
Autism Manifests Uniquely
- Autism presents very differently across individuals, so one child's experience doesn't generalize to another.
- Leland's early school life included bullying and being segregated from boys because he couldn't fit social norms.
