Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

Leland Vittert, a journalist at NewsNation and formerly at Fox News Channel, shares his life story in Born Lucky. As a child, he did not speak for years and was labeled "weird" by teachers and school leaders. He showed signs of autism from an early age, struggling with social cues, communication, and behavioral norms. When Leland's father Mark learned the world would not change for his son, he quit his job to become a full-time parent-coach. He taught Leland foundational skills like eye contact, humor, and social interaction through dedicated training. Mark's approach included physical conditioning and guidance through complex social situations. Despite experiencing bullying in middle and high school and rejection in college, Leland eventually became a respected journalist. The book documents his journey from a socially isolated child to his current professional success, presented as a tribute from a son grateful for his father's commitment. The narrative addresses the challenges of growing up with autism and offers perspective to parents and children facing their own difficulties.