Beyond a Diagnosis w/ Leland Vittert
An Impactful Life
Equipping parents during their child’s academic years to bring learning to daily moments.
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On today’s episode…
News anchor Leland Vittert opens up for the first time about his childhood autism diagnosis and the powerful parenting that helped him rise above it. In this heartfelt episode, Leland shares how his father’s relentless support—and refusal to let a label define him—shaped his resilience and success. Dr. Kelly and Leland dive into identity, grit, and what it truly takes to raise kids who thrive beyond the limits of a diagnosis.
Show Notes
Beyond a Diagnosis: The Unseen Journey of Leland Vittert
What if the world only saw your success, but not the silent battles you fought to get there? That’s the story Leland Vittert, nationally recognized news anchor and author of Born Lucky, shares on this powerful episode of the Parenting IQ Podcast with Dr. Kelly Cagle.
A Story Few Have Heard—Until Now
While millions know Leland as the composed, confident face on nightly news, few realize the deeply personal journey behind the scenes. For the first time publicly, he opens up about his childhood autism diagnosis—a truth he kept hidden for over 30 years—and the courageous parenting that shaped his path forward.
“My dad never wanted me to be defined by a diagnosis,” Leland shares. “He quit his job and made helping me his full-time mission.”
From Isolation to Empowerment
Leland recounts the emotional toll of bullying, social rejection, and being misunderstood by educators and peers alike. Labeled “weird” and “difficult,” he struggled not just academically but socially, often returning home from school feeling shattered.
But instead of seeking endless professional interventions or accommodations, his parents—especially his father—chose a different route: presence over programs, perseverance over pity.
“Every night, I’d take out my anger on my dad, and every morning, he’d still show up, take me to breakfast, and do it all over again.”
Lessons in Tough Love
His father’s parenting style wasn’t coddling—it was radically honest. He didn’t adapt the world to Leland; instead, he equipped his son to navigate the world as it is. No extra time on tests. No labels. Just grit, consistency, and hard-earned trust.
“He told me the truth. He told me when I’d never be good at something—and that made me believe him when he told me I could do hard things.”
“Born Lucky”: A Gift for Parents
In Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, a Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism, Leland captures the raw, real moments of his upbringing—from devastating school experiences to career-defining achievements as a foreign correspondent. The book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a roadmap for parents seeking hope in the trenches of parenting kids with learning or social differences.
“My parents didn’t wait for professionals to solve the problem. They became the solution.”
Final Reflections
Dr. Kelly and Leland discuss what it means to raise resilient kids in a world full of quick fixes and accommodation plans. Leland’s story isn’t about ignoring diagnosis—it’s about going beyond it, refusing to let it define a child’s potential.
Whether you're a parent navigating a difficult diagnosis, an educator wondering how to best support your students, or simply someone who’s been told they’re “too different” to succeed—this episode will move you, challenge you, and ultimately inspire you.
About Leland Vitter
Leland Vittert is an Emmy-nominated journalist and the host of On Balance on NewsNation. Known for his fearless reporting and sharp analysis, Leland has covered some of the world’s most pivotal events, from the Arab Spring to U.S. presidential elections. But beyond the headlines, his most personal story is now coming to light—his journey with autism and the relentless love of a father who never gave up on him. In his memoir Born Lucky, Leland opens up about his childhood diagnosis, the emotional battles he faced, and the parenting that shaped him into the resilient man he is today.
Struggling with screen time and safe tech? Dr. Kelly is proud to partner with Gabb Wireless—the phone that protects childhood. It's a perfect complement to fostering focused, grounded kids in a distracted world.
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