From Autistic Outcast to Prime Time Anchor & The Father Who Made It Happen | Leland Vittert

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When I started reading Leland Vittert's book Born Lucky, I wasn't expecting to cry. I don't know anyone with autism, and honestly, I didn't think it would resonate with me. But within pages, I was in tears—because his story of feeling different, misunderstood, and alone is something I've carried my whole life. Leland was born with the umbilical cord around his neck, diagnosed autistic at 8, and told by doctors there was "not much you could do." His father quit his job and did something radical: no medications, no accommodations, no labels—just thousands of hours coaching his son through hell. Teachers mocked him in class, kids bullied him relentlessly, and his kindergartner sister held his…