Autistic Journalist Opens Up About His Journey and Success in Latest Opinion Piece
Leland Vittert’s New Book Explores Life with Autism and the Power of Resilience
Leland Vittert: A Broadcast Journalist with a Personal Story
Leland Vittert, known for hosting “On Balance” on NewsNation, is sharing a significant personal journey in his new book, “Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” Having spent over a decade at Fox News and reported internationally, Vittert’s successful career contrasts with the challenges he faced growing up with autism.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
Vittert credits much of his achievements to his father’s dedication. His father left his job to focus entirely on helping his son adapt to the world, rather than adapting the world to him. This approach ensured that autism did not define Vittert and provided him with the tools to succeed as a journalist.
The Motivation Behind “Born Lucky”
In a recent interview with Emegypt, Vittert discussed the inspiration for writing “Born Lucky.” His aim is to offer hope to families dealing with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Vittert emphasizes that while diagnoses can be influential, they should not become life-defining. His story serves as a message to parents and guardians that substantial progress is possible with perseverance and the right support.
Discovering the Passion for Journalism
Vittert’s path to journalism was sparked by an internship that led him to pursue a meaningful career. Influenced by his father’s belief in the importance of character and hard work, Vittert views journalism as a vocation that rewards diligence. His journey underscores the impact of a strong work ethic and commitment.
The National Conversation on Autism
The release of Vittert’s book coincides with a period of heightened attention on autism. In a Wall Street Journal piece, he shared views on the Trump administration’s efforts to investigate the root causes of autism. Highlighting the significant rise in autism diagnoses, Vittert advocates for continued scientific inquiry and public discourse to address this issue.
The exploration of autism’s origins has become a pressing scientific question. While past efforts in addressing conditions like AIDS, cancer, and diabetes have seen success, autism remains an area needing significant breakthroughs.
Vittert’s contributions to the conversation underscore the importance of seeking answers and advancing our understanding of autism as it increasingly impacts families worldwide.
