MILWAUKEE — The Democratic National Convention is all but over, but the aftermath of four nights of events in Chicago is still dominating political headlines.
A social media post posted Wednesday by conservative radio host Jay Weber of 1130 WISN-AM is still stirring up controversy.
He posted on X commenting on the reaction of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's son, Gus, during his father's speech at the Democratic National Convention.
“I'm sorry this is an embarrassment to both father and son but if the Waltzes represent modern American males then this country is messed up….let me introduce you to my son Gus. He's a bawling {{expletive}} boy….his mother and I are so proud of him,” Weber said in the post.
Gus Waltz has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD).
Weber later deleted the post, saying he was unaware of his diagnosis and that he had broken one of his long-standing rules about commenting on politicians' children.
Nonverbal learning disabilities are something that children are born with, but are often not discovered until early childhood.
Nicole Damiano, a training specialist at Independence First, says people with NVLD often exhibit symptoms similar to those of people with autism and ADHD.
“But they may have barriers when it comes to understanding social cues and the nuances of not only verbal but also non-verbal communication,” Damiano said.
She said Gus Waltz's reaction to his father accepting the vice presidential nomination was simply his way of expressing himself.
“The way he dealt with it and the way it played out seemed a little different than the people around him and other people who were going through the same thing,” she said.
Gerald Hay is director of independent living services at Independence First.
He said people with NVLD may process the world around them at a different pace than other people.
“People with NVLD are often able to speak, but they may take a little longer to form phrases and they may take a little longer to decipher some of the language and cues than someone who hasn't been diagnosed with the disorder,” Hay said.
Damiano said he uses tools such as smart pens, large timers and step pads to help NVLD patients manage their time and work at their own pace.
The disorder affects people in different ways, she said.
“But these people are able to work independently, live independently and form relationships with partners, friends and family,” Damiano said.