The major moment of the 2024 Democratic National Convention was always supposed to center on Kamala Harris formally accepting the nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate. But one of the most heartwarming moments of the event actually came from Gus Walz, the son of her running mate, Tim Walz. After the world has seen how proud Gus is of his father, Tim came forward to share that his son has been diagnosed with something he and wife Gwen call his "secret power."
But what is nonverbal learning disorder? Here's what you need to know.
More from CafeMom: Kate Middleton Reportedly Thinks Prince William Is Being 'Cruel' in Prince Harry Feud
The moment Gus was in the spotlight at the DNC went viral.
While Tim was on stage talking about how much his family means to him, 17-year-old Gus was so touched that he couldn't help but get emotional. He pointed to his dad, standing up in the crowd as everyone cheered, mouthing the words "I love you" to him and "That's my dad."
It was such a sweet moment that people have taken notice, and Tim and Gwen shortly shared more about their son.
Gus was diagnosed with nonverbal learning disorder when he was young.
In a statement to People, Gwen and Tim shared that they noticed that Gus was "different from his classmates" as a child, and soon found out that he has ADHD, anxiety, and a nonverbal learning disorder.
"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 statement read. "It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power."
Nonverbal learning disorder doesn't mean nonspeaking.
According to Psychology Today, nonverbal learning disorder is "marked by one or more of a set of cognitive, and sometimes social, difficulties experienced by children of otherwise average or superior intelligence, such as visual-spatial struggles and motor-skill deficits." =
Although people who are dyslexic struggle with written information, that's not an issue for those with nonverbal learning disorders. Instead, they struggle with tasks such as telling time, drawing, and motor skills.
More from CafeMom: Brooke Shields Is Now 'Officially an Empty Nester' After Emotional College Drop-Off
What are the symptoms of NLD?
If you're concerned your child may have the disorder, there are certain signs you can look out for, such as problems with advanced math concepts and reading comprehension despite being intelligent in other ways, struggling to do things like ride a bike or use scissors, and struggling to read cues such as body language and even sarcasm.
Psychology Today points out that this condition does appear to be genetic and affects boys and girls equally.
What is the treatment for the disorder?
Different treatments are used to manage this condition, but early intervention is important, so if you suspect your child may be struggling, it's always a good idea to raise that question with the pediatrician. Occupational therapy at a young age can go a long way.
We may learn more about Gus and this disorder as Tim's vice presidential campaign continues. How cute is their family?
