Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

Ep. 295: Born Lucky: Leland Vittert’s Journey Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum


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In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with journalist and author Leland Vittert, who shares his compelling journey growing up on the autism spectrum. From enduring bullying to discovering his voice through writing, Leland opens up about the key role his father played in his development and how perseverance and unconditional support changed the trajectory of his life.

Leland’s memoir, Born Lucky, chronicles his experience navigating the world with neurodiversity, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and the emotional highs and lows of childhood. This episode is a message of hope for parents raising neurodiverse children, reminding us that persistence, trust, and love truly matter.

Key Themes:

  • The emotional and social challenges of growing up autistic
  • The long-term effects of bullying
  • Why early diagnosis and support matter
  • The powerful role of a present and engaged parent
  • Learning social skills and resilience in real life


📘 Learn more about Leland Vittert’s book Born Lucky: https://amzn.to/42Ae4X8

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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