Tim Walz's son Gus has a learning disorder. Can his visibility help disabled Americans?

[elleng]

*Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the vice-presidential running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, has spoken openly and lovingly about his 17-year-old son Gus, who has ADHD, along with a non-verbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder. Walz and his wife, Gwen, both former teachers, said recently in a statement to People magazine that they never considered Gus’ conditions an obstacle.

"Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up," the couple said.

"It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power," they added.

When Walz delivered his acceptance speech inside the packed United Center arena Wednesday night, Gus watched from the audience with his mother and sister, Hope, and sobbed.

“Hope, Gus and Gwen – you are my entire world, and I love you,” Walz said.

Gus Walz sprung from his seat, moved by his father's words.

He pointed his index finger, saying "I love you, dad."

Advocates for Americans with learning disabilities believe the Walz family's openness about their son and their willingness to speak publicly about the experience will raise much-needed visibility that could help others who are going through similar issues.

“It’s a good thing when people in politics, who are running for office, are comfortable discussing disability issues and don’t view it as a topic that is taboo or something that we shouldn’t discuss,” said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.'>>>

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/21/tim-walz-son-gus-disability-2024-election/74849685007/

[msongs]

1. maybe he's a kid and just leave him alone? nt

[speak easy]

12. Don't say a word?

or celebrate the brighter days ahead for all Americans, including those who don't look good on camera, who the rest of us would rather forget? fu

[AnotherMother4Peace]

2. "It's his secret power" Ohhh I love this family more and more.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

3. I hope Walz brings

More visibility to disability issues especially mental health and adhd.
I’m sick of my meds being delayed for the past 2 years because of the dea underestimating how many people take adhd meds. If it happens again I think having the vice president on the case would end that glitch pronto.

[gopiscrap]

5. me too I grew up with ADHD all my life

and it has caused numerous struggles and problems

[multigraincracker]

4. I didn't find out I was ADHD until I was 40.

Also on the language spectrum. Psychiatrists told me to go back to college and sit in the front row and I would get all A’s. I did and I did.
Thom Hartman wrote some great books on the advantage of it. Can’t remember the authors name, but another great book is Smart But Feeling Dumb”.
When you are given lemons, make lemonade.

[gopiscrap]

6. I was also an adult when officially diagnosed

[multigraincracker]

7. Did you find that it explained and made sense of you whole life?

In the late 50s and early 60s it wasn’t known. Schools didn’t test for it. You were just lazy to them.

[gopiscrap]

8. omg it explained a lot

I attended a Roman Catholic School in Germany and Tacoma from 63-71 often in classes where you had to sit ram rod straight and not move or less you were in trouble. The only thing saved me was that I could like a son of a bitch from the time I was 8. I was doing serious solo work at 9 and sang professionally by the time I was 11. Otherwise I would've been bounced from either school in heart beat. I had a tendency to wander the classroom and visit when we were supposed to be working by ourselves. The nun didn't like that at all. The only place where I was contained and doing what I was supposed to do was during music.

[multigraincracker]

9. The problem for me in public school was the principal of the thing.

I was in his office all the time.
Got so bad that my parents gave up and sent me to military school my senior year. I did great. Now I know it was because there were only 8 or less kids in a class.

[gopiscrap]

10. holy cow, me and the principal were also on a fist name basis

also when we had art the nun would say to me "Mr. Collier we are going to have art now, go stand in the hall" I am so sorry you had to struggle, I know what it is like

[Akakoji]

11. He's neurodivergent

He also said, "That's my Dad".