Everything Tim Walz And Family Have Shared

When raising a child with a learning disorder, many parents are quick to worry about the challenges their child will face. But Tim Walz sees his son Gus’ non-verbal learning disorder as a strength.

Ever since Democratic nominee Kamala Harris selected the Minnesota governor as her running mate, Walz’s wife and two children have been thrust into the spotlight. Since then, the politician has been open about the seven-year infertility struggle he and his wife endured and their successful experience with intrauterine insemination (IUI).

In recent weeks, Walz has also spoken openly about his 17-year-old son’s condition, telling People that he calls it Gus’ “secret power.” He’s also shared that his son has two other conditions.

Here’s what the Walz family has shared about about Gus’ diagnoses.

What has Tim Walz shared about his son’s conditions?

In a new interview with People, Walz and his wife, Gwen, described what their son Gus was like as a child.

“When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” they said. “Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself.”

Gus was diagnosed with three conditions as a teenager

In his teen years, Gus learned that he had a non-verbal learning disorder (NLD), an anxiety disorder and ADHD.

“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.

As the parents sought to better understand how to help Gus, they soon realized that their son’s conditions weren’t necessarily a negative thing.

“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.

Walz describes Gus as ‘brilliant’ and ‘hyper-aware’

While talking about Gus’ personality, his parents said he is “an excellent son and brother” and described him as “brilliant” and “hyper-aware of details that many of us pass by.”

The couple went on to say they are “proud of the man he’s growing into, and we are so excited to have him with us on this journey.”

Gus appeared at the Democratic National Convention with his sister

Both of Walz’s children attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago to support their father. At one point during his speech, the governor said, “Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you.”

An emotional Gus stood up and declared, “That’s my dad,” as he applauded.

What is a non-verbal learning disorder?

Per the Child Mind Institute, non-verbal learning disorders (NLDs) affect “‘non-verbal’ kinds of learning like the ability to notice patterns and learn concepts. These include visual patterns, social patterns, and concepts in language and math.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, children with non-verbal learning disorders (NLDs) typically possess “good basic language skills.”

“They can excel at memorizing words too. But these children may have trouble with some skills that don’t involve speaking,” the website reads.

These skills can include:

• Understanding abstract concepts
• Challenges with planning, organizing and paying attention
• Comprehending emotions via cues such as facial expressions
• Sensing where objects are
• Writing and other fine motor skills
• High-level reading
• Physical coordination

What is an anxiety disorder?

Walz hasn’t shared specific details about his son’s anxiety disorder, but the Mayo Clinic says anxiety disorders typically create “intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.”

“Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks),” the website reads.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including the following:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Separation anxiety disorder

What is ADHD?

Walz also shared that his son has attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which the Mayo Clinic defines as “a chronic condition that … includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.”

ADHD symptoms may start in childhood and continue into adulthood. These typically include:

• Impulsiveness
• Poor time management skills, disorganization, and trouble prioritizing and multitasking
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Trouble planning and completing tasks