What is neurodivergent? Tim Walz son Gus puts condition in spotlight

Most Americans were introduced to Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Wednesday when he rose to his feet and shouted, “That’s my dad!” in response to the Democratic vice presidential nominee’s rousing speech on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

That heartwarming moment became a highlight of a night that included a speech by former President Bill Clinton and singer John Legend and singer/drummer Sheila E’s stellar rendition of “Purple Rain” by Prince, another one of Minnesota’s famous sons.

But ever since Walz was put into the national spotlight when Vice President Kamala Harris chose him as her running mate earlier this month, the plain-speaking former football coach and public-school teacher has not shied away from talking about his family, including him and his wife, Gwen’s use of fertility treatments to have their two children, Hope, 23, and Gus, 17. He’s also spoken about his son’s learning differences.

What is Guz Walz’s learning disorder?

In an interview with People Magazine, Walz and his wife shared that their son has ADHD, a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder. In a statement to People Magazine, Walz and his wife said they had noticed his differences at an early age, and said they never considered his conditions to be an obstacle.

“Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up,” the couple told People Magazine.

“It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power,” they added.

What is neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent is a nonmedical term to describe people whose brain differences affect how their brain works, 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 website continues.

Also citing information from the Cleveland Clinic, the People article went on to explain that non-verbal learning disorders like the one Walz’s son have are manageable with intervention, but impact how children absorb and utilize information. It also clarified that “non-verbal,” in this case, is not the same as “non-speaking.”

The spotlight on the Walz family raises public awareness

Advocates for Americans with learning disabilities believe the Walz family’s openness about their son and their willingness to speak publicly about the experience will raise much-needed visibility that could help others who are going through similar issues.

“It’s a good thing when people in politics, who are running for office, are comfortable discussing disability issues and don’t view it as a topic that is taboo or something that we shouldn’t discuss,” said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Autistic Self Advocacy Network to USA TODAY.

When public figures are open about their experiences with disability or those of their family, that can lead more people to feel comfortable disclosing their own disabilities or talking about their family’s experiences, Gross said.

“That’s helpful,” she said, “because in order to talk about the needs of the disability community, we need to be comfortable discussing disability as a society, just like we talk about the needs of any marginalized population.”

More:‘Forget politics’: How Tim Walz’s son, Gus, floored TV news hosts, from MSNBC to Fox News