Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, have been open about their experiences raising their son, Gus, who has been diagnosed with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and an anxiety disorder.
On Wednesday, after Walz formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for Vice President, he acknowledged his first child, Hope, 23, his son, 17, and his wife, giving them a shout-out during his speech before a roaring crowd.
Many were moved by a touching moment when Gus, with tears streaming down his face, pointed at his father and exclaimed, “That’s my dad!”
The teen’s exuberant display captured hearts and quickly went viral, becoming perhaps the defining image of his father’s address. This moment further humanized the politician as a nurturing parent, emphasizing his everyman appeal—as a schoolteacher, football coach, and a man who enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 and retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 2005.
The father of two reposted the clip on X, writing, “My kids keep me humble.”
Over time, the Walz family has come to understand that Gus’s NVLD, ADHD, and anxiety disorder shape his unique way of interacting with the world. The couple iterated that they do not see these conditions as deficits but rather as part of what makes Gus exceptional—conditions they affectionately call his “secret power.”
Here’s everything you need to know about one of his powers, NVLD.
What is NVLD?
Nonverbal Learning Disorder, also known as Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), is a neurological condition that primarily affects nonverbal aspects of learning and social interaction.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, non-verbal learning disorders impact how children absorb and utilize information, but they are manageable with interventions that can help those who are affected learn in different ways. “Non-verbal” in this case is not the same as “non-speaking.”
Individuals with NVLD often excel in verbal skills, such as vocabulary and reading, but they struggle with nonverbal cues and tasks involving visual-spatial processing, motor skills, and social interactions.
“When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” they said to PEOPLE in early August. “Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself.”
Diagnosing NVLD typically requires a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist or neuropsychologist, including cognitive and academic assessments as well as observations of social interactions.
“Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to set Gus up for success as he was growing up,” they shared.
Treatment for NVLD usually involves a combination of:
- Educational support: Tailoring learning strategies to the individual’s strengths (e.g., using verbal instructions rather than visual aids).
- Occupational therapy: To help improve motor skills and visual-spatial abilities.
- Social skills training: To help the individual better understand and respond to social cues.
- Psychotherapy: To address any emotional or psychological challenges, such as anxiety or depression, that may arise from the difficulties associated with NVLD.