When raising a child with a learning disability, many parents are quick to worry about the challenges they'll face. But Tim Waltz sees his son Gus' nonverbal learning disability as a strength.
Waltz's wife and two children have been in the spotlight since Democratic candidate Kamala Harris selected the Minnesota governor as her running mate. Since then, Waltz has spoken publicly about his and his wife's seven-year struggle with infertility and their success with intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Waltz has also spoken publicly in recent weeks about his 17-year-old son's illness, telling People magazine that he calls it Gus' “secret power.” He also revealed that his son has two other illnesses.
Here's what the Waltz family said about Gus' diagnosis:
What did Tim Waltz say about his son's condition?
In a new interview with People magazine, Waltz and his wife, Gwen, opened up about what their son Gus was like as a child.
“As our youngest son, Gus, grew up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” they say. “He preferred video games and spent a lot of time alone.”
Gus was diagnosed with three illnesses as a teenager.
As a teenager, Gus learned he had a Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), anxiety and ADHD.
“Like many American families, it took us some time to figure out how to do everything we could to help Gus grow and succeed,” the couple said.
As his parents thought more carefully about how to help Gus, they quickly realized that their son's condition wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
“It took time, but we soon discovered that Gus' symptoms were not a disability but his secret power,” they said.
Waltz described Gass as “intelligent” and “very mindful.”
Speaking about Gus's personality, his parents called him a “wonderful son and brother,” describing him as “intelligent” and “very sensitive to the little things that most of us overlook.”
The couple continued, “We are so proud of how our son is growing up and so blessed to have him with us on this journey.”
Gus attended the Democratic National Convention with his sister.
Both of Gov. Walz's children attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago to support their father. “Hope, Gus, Gwen, you all mean everything to me. I love you,” the governor said during his speech.
An emotional Gus stood up, clapped his hands and declared, “That's my dad.”
What is a Nonverbal Learning Disorder?
According to the Child Mind Institute, Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLDs) “affect 'non-verbal' learning, such as the ability to notice patterns and learn concepts. This includes visual patterns, social patterns, language and math concepts.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, children with nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) usually have “good basic language skills.”
“They also excel at memorizing words. However, these children may have problems with skills other than speaking,” the website states.
These skills include:
- Understanding Abstract Concepts
- Challenges with planning, organizing, and paying attention
- Understanding emotions from facial expressions and other clues
- Sense the position of an object
- Writing and other fine motor skills
- Advanced Reading
- Physical Coordination
What are anxiety disorders?
Waltz did not provide details about his son's anxiety disorder, but the Mayo Clinic says it typically causes “intense, excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations.”
“Anxiety disorders are characterized by sudden, recurring feelings of intense fear, anxiety or terror (panic attacks) that often peak within minutes,” the website says.
There are several types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
What is ADHD?
Waltz also revealed that his son has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which the Mayo Clinic defines as “a chronic combination of persistent problems with attention span, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.”
Symptoms of ADHD can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. Typical symptoms include:
- Impulsivity
- Poor time management, lack of organization, difficulty prioritizing, and difficulty multitasking
- I can't concentrate on my work
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Difficulty planning and completing tasks