Leland Vittert's 'Born Lucky': A Story of Autism, Family, and Unconventional Upbringing

A Unique Childhood Nickname

• 👶 Leland Vittert was nicknamed "Lucky" from birth due to a perilous delivery where the umbilical cord was knotted and wrapped around his neck, a story detailed in his book "Born Lucky."
• 🌟 This nickname, "Lucky Vittert," was used until he was 18, reflecting the extraordinary circumstances of his survival.

Social Challenges and Isolation

• 🎯 As a child, Leland struggled significantly with social interactions, often running into and angering other children.
• 💔 He experienced profound loneliness, as other kids did not want to be around him, and he felt unable to understand or participate in typical childhood play and laughter.
• 📉 His report cards consistently noted a need for improvement in social skills, highlighting the extent of his difficulties.

Diagnosis and Parental Defiance

• 🧠 A psychological assessment revealed a significant spread between the two halves of an IQ test, indicating a learning disability or other issue, leaving doctors uncertain about the cause.
• 👨‍ parents were told there was "generally not" anything that could be done, but his father, Mark Vittert, was defiant, vowing to find a way to help his son.
• 💡 The father's approach was not to adapt the world to Leland's challenges but to actively teach him social interaction and how to navigate the world.

A Father's Devotion and Trust

• 🤝 Mark Vittert became Leland's primary friend and companion, dedicating himself to teaching his son social skills and providing constant support.
• 🚫 The family deliberately chose not to label Leland with autism until after he was out of college, aiming to prevent him from feeling different and to foster a sense of normalcy.
• 💔 Leland's mother revealed that his father would often cry alone at night, overwhelmed by the challenges of raising Leland, demonstrating the immense emotional toll.
• 🌳 A pivotal moment involved Leland jumping into his father's arms from a notch in a tree, solidifying a foundation of trust that was crucial for his development.

A Promise of Hope

• ✨ Leland Vittert's story, shared in "Born Lucky," is presented not as a prescription but as a promise of hope, illustrating the profound difference parents can make.
• ✅ The narrative emphasizes that with love and determination, a child facing significant challenges can overcome them and find their place in the world.