Growing Up with Autism and a Father’s Tough Love — Leland Vittert (NewsNation)Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us • Season 2025, Episode 39
Oct 1, 2025 • 17m
What happens when a parent refuses to let a diagnosis define their child?
TV news anchor Leland Vittert shares his story of growing up with autism, the “tough love” lessons his father insisted on, and how those moments of discomfort shaped the man and reporter he became.
In this conversation with host Julie Rose, Vittert opens up about bullying, rejection, resilience, and the powerful role his father played in teaching him to adapt to the world rather than expecting the world to adapt to him.
Leland Vittert is the Chief Washington Anchor at NewsNation and host of “On Balance with Leland Vittert.” Before joining NewsNation, he spent a decade as a foreign correspondent and anchor at Fox News. His new memoir is "Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism," available now https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-horizon/born-lucky/.
Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/10/growing-up-with-autism-and-fathers.html
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Meet Leland Vittert
01:38 The Role of a Dedicated Father
02:31 Facing Bullying and Social Challenges
03:34 Early Signs and Diagnosis
05:30 Overcoming Social Struggles
11:34 The Impact of Autism on Journalism
14:19 Reflections and Final Thoughts