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

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.

*NYTimes Bestseller*

Shipping

Orders are processed within 3 business days, excluding holidays. At checkout, we will provide an estimated shipping time based on your selected shipping method.

In-store pickup is typically available 24 hours after ordering. We will notify you if your order is ready for pickup earlier.

ALL Furniture, Lighting, Rugs, Art, and Mirrors will be in-store pickup only. Pickup availability is reflected on the product page. Items that are in-store pickup only will not be eligible for shipping.

Free shipping on orders over $250* exclusions apply for items that are in-store pick up only or have a fixed shipping price. 

Returns

We cannot accept returns on the following: SALE items, Jewelry, Reading Glasses, Food Items, Holiday Merchandise, Undergarments, Shoes or other items that have been worn or damaged.

Return must be requested within 14 days of order delivery date and if approved will be refunded to the original form of payment at the original selling price. Customer is responsible for return shipping.

Full Return Policy can be found HERE.