Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, gained national attention during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago when he enthusiastically shouted, “That’s my dad!” in reaction to a speech by Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris. This heartfelt display became a memorable moment during a night featuring speeches from former President Bill Clinton and musical performances from John Legend and Sheila E., including a tribute to Prince.
Since being thrust into the spotlight after his father was selected as Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz has openly discussed his family’s journey, including the fertility treatments he and his wife, Gwen, underwent to have their two children, Hope, 23, and Gus. He has also addressed Gus’s learning differences.
In an interview with People Magazine, the Walzes revealed that Gus has ADHD, a nonverbal learning disorder, and an anxiety disorder. They recognized these challenges early on and have never viewed them as barriers to his success. “Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to ensure Gus would flourish as he grew up,” the couple stated. They emphasized that Gus’s condition, rather than being a setback, is his “secret power.”
Neurodivergence refers to the variations in brain functioning that affect the way people think and learn. The Cleveland Clinic explains that individuals who are neurodivergent encounter unique strengths and challenges, which may include medical disorders and learning disabilities. Nonverbal learning disorders, like the one affecting Gus, can be managed with appropriate support, but they influence how children process and use information.
The Walz family’s willingness to discuss their experiences has attracted attention from advocates for individuals with learning disabilities, who believe it can foster greater awareness and understanding. “It’s positive when public figures are open about disability issues and treat them as important topics for conversation,” said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. She noted that such openness can encourage others to discuss their own disabilities and experiences, helping society as a whole address the needs of the disability community effectively.