Born Lucky

A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

By: Leland Vittert, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Leland Vittert, James Conlan

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In a world quick to label, judge, and box in people, one father and son stood firm and refused to be defined by an autism diagnosis.

If you’re channel surfing and happen upon Leland Vittert during his nightly national cable show on NewsNation, he comes off as a poised journalist prying nuggets from guests. If you watched him for years as an anchor at Fox News Channel, you saw him on the battlefields of the Middle East, the anchor desk, and the White House North Lawn. No one, including friends and co-workers, has ever known his full life story and how miraculous it was to get to that point.

Leland was a socially awkward boy who didn’t speak for years, and when he finally did, teachers and leaders declared him “weird.” His unique behavior and inability to connect with his peers made him a frequent target for bullying and exclusion. In one particularly harsh moment, a school principal bluntly told his parents, “The people here think Leland is pretty weird. I guess I do, too.” Those words felt like being shot with an arrow, as his parents sat in stunned silence, grappling with their own fears and uncertainties for their son’s future.

From a young age, Leland showed signs of being Autistic, a term rarely used at the time, struggling with social cues, communication, and behavioral norms that came naturally to other kids. The diagnosis didn't deter his father, Mark. He knew the world wouldn't change for Leland, so he quit his job and began changing Leland for the world. He became a full-time parent-coach, training Leland and teaching him the skills he needed to navigate in society. Simple concepts like eye contact, understanding humor, and instilling motivations had to be taught painstakingly. From hundreds of pushups at age 7 to toughen him against bullies, to coaching him through complex social interactions, Mark’s relentless dedication changed the trajectory of Leland’s life.

Born Lucky offers an intimate look into their inspiring journey. Leland lays bare his experiences of the crushing bullying during middle and high school, the sting of rejection continuing into college, and his ultimate transformation into an esteemed journalist. But above all, this book is a love letter from a grateful son, who despite his diagnosis, trusted his father and defied all odds.

It offers hope to every parent and every child who is grappling with their own unique challenges, to be inspired to break labels, tear down the walls that society builds, and create a better future.

the family support of an autistic child

For a family with a child on the spectrum, the experience of a family who have already lived it is so valuable. The fact that a normal life at some point is something possible gives us hope.

Great story

Important look into his experience with autism and family. Love the personal responsibility and adaptability into the world not expecting the world to adapt to him.

Touching and enlightening tale of a father, a son, and autism

This is a wonderful tale of a father's refusal to let his autistic son be held back by others' expectations, and how that son became a foreign correspondent and then a news anchorman.
The son also shows his love for his father in how he tells the story, and exhibits a determination to not let himself be defined by his condition.
Leland Vittert, the son/newsman in question, narrates his own story expertly.

Look for the possibilities rather than the negativis.

Inspiring. Gives hope and love to many. This narative offers an inside look at the struggles many must endure. It is a reminder that we need to understand rather than condem those that act or think the way we may expect

Dedication and determination

I loved this book! Thank you Leland and your dad for being an example to us all and sharing your life. Truly an inspiration.