Chasing Life Anchoring Autism: How a Father’s Devotion Helped His Son Adapt to the World
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Nov 14, 2025 
Leland Vittert, a seasoned broadcast journalist and author of "Born Lucky," shares his heartfelt journey with autism, focusing on the unwavering support from his father. He candidly discusses how his family navigated the stigma of the 1980s and his father's innovative teaching methods for social skills. Vittert also reflects on his challenging entry into television, the nuanced views on autism today, and the resilience forged through adversity. His story underscores the importance of parental love and hope, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Father’s Nightly Tears
- Leland wrote Born Lucky to thank his father and give hope to struggling parents.
- He learned after interviewing his dad that his father would cry alone at night processing Leland's school pain.
Standards Over Labels
- Leland contrasts today's emphasis on meeting kids where they are with his father's approach of teaching standards.
- He credits his dad with training him toward external standards rather than using diagnosis as an excuse.
Coach Sparked The Book
- A talent coach encouraged Leland to write the memoir after he disclosed being autistic and struggling to match guests' emotions.
- That conversation became the genesis of Born Lucky and motivated him to share his story publicly.
