Watch Tim Walz’s teenage son Gus react to him on stage
Tim Walz’s 17-year-old son suffers from ADHD as well as a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder.
Most Americans first met Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on Wednesday when he jumped up on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and shouted, “That’s my father!” in response to the Democratic vice presidential candidate’s rousing speech.
The heartwarming moment became the highlight of an evening that also included a speech by former President Bill Clinton and singer John Legend, as well as a stellar rendition of “Purple Rain” by Prince, another famous Minnesota son, by singer/drummer Sheila E.
But since Walz was thrust into the national spotlight earlier this month when Vice President Kamala Harris named him her running mate, the outspoken former football coach and public school teacher hasn’t shied away from talking about his family, including how he and his wife, Gwen, used fertility treatments to have their two children, Hope, 23, and Gus, 17. He has also spoken about his son’s learning difficulties.
What is Guz Walz’s learning disorder?
In an interview with People Magazine, Walz and his wife said their son suffers from ADHD, a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder. In a statement to People Magazine, Walz and his wife said they noticed his differences from a young age and never viewed his illness as an obstacle.
“Like so many American families, it took us a while to figure out how we could do everything we could to give Gus a successful childhood,” the couple told People Magazine.
“It took a while, but we immediately realized that Gus’ condition is not a setback – it is his secret power,” they added.
What is neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent is a non-medical term that describes people whose brain differences affect how their brains work, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People considered neurodivergent have different strengths and challenges than people without these differences, which can include medical disorders, learning disabilities and other conditions, the clinic’s website adds.
The People article also cited information from the Cleveland Clinic and went on to explain that nonverbal learning disorders like Walz’s son’s are manageable with intervention, but affect the way children absorb and use information. It also clarified that “nonverbal” in this case is not the same as “nonspeaking.”
The spotlight on the Walz family raises public awareness
Advocates for Americans with learning disabilities believe the Walz family’s openness with their son and willingness to speak publicly about the experience will bring much-needed attention that could help others facing similar challenges.
“It’s a good thing when politicians running for office are comfortable talking about disability issues and don’t see it as a taboo subject or something we shouldn’t talk about,” Zoe Gross, advocacy director for the Washington-based Autistic Self Advocacy Network, told USA TODAY.
When public figures speak openly about their or their family’s experiences with disability, it can make more people feel comfortable talking about their own disability or their family’s experiences, Gross says.
“That’s helpful,” she said, “because in order to talk about the needs of the disability community, we as a society have to be comfortable discussing disability, just as we talk about the needs of any marginalized population.”
More: ‘Forget politics’: How Tim Walz’s son Gus stunned news anchors from MSNBC to Fox News
