Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate, has spoken openly and lovingly about his 17-year-old son, Gus, who has ADHD, along with a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder. Walz and his wife, Gwen, both former teachers, said recently in a statement to People magazine that they never considered Gus’ conditions an obstacle.
“Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up,” the couple said.
“It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback − it’s his secret power,” they said.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s son Gus moved the audience Wednesday night in the United Center with a display of emotion as his father spoke that many saw as heartwarming.
After 17-year-old Gus was shown on national television at the DNC in Chicago tearing up, clapping and yelling out, “That’s my dad!” People magazine posted a statement from the older Walz and wife Gwen that Gus has “a non-verbal learning disorder,” along with anxiety and ADHD.
The Tribune talked to experts, who used the terms “neurodivergent” and “disability” to describe conditions like Gus Walz’s. The Walz family statement did not use those terms.
Viral clips like the one between Gus Walz and his father can make all the difference for neurodivergent people, said Kimi Matsumura, founder of the nonprofit Chicago Autism Network.
“Exposure is huge,” she said. “The world getting to see the beauty of Gus Walz and his relationship with his dad I think will open up a lot of hearts.”
