Ep. 295: Born Lucky: Leland Vittert’s Journey Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum

Ep. 295: Born Lucky: Leland Vittert’s Journey Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum

Author: Dr. Meg Meeker October 12, 2025 Duration: 52:27
In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with journalist and author Leland Vittert, who shares his compelling journey growing up on the autism spectrum. From enduring bullying to discovering his voice through writing, Leland opens up about the key role his father played in his development and how perseverance and unconditional support changed the trajectory of his life. Leland’s memoir, Born Lucky, chronicles his experience navigating the world with neurodiversity, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and the emotional highs and lows of childhood. This episode is a message of hope for parents raising neurodiverse children, reminding us that persistence, trust, and love truly matter. Key Themes:The emotional and social challenges of growing up autisticThe long-term effects of bullyingWhy early diagnosis and support matterThe powerful role of a present and engaged parentLearning social skills and resilience in real life 📘 Learn more about Leland Vittert’s book Born Lucky: https://amzn.to/42Ae4X8 Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 📢 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal for exclusive content, expert-led courses, and tools to help you parent with confidence. Sign up here for the free webinar: Protecting Your Kids from Pornography, Part 2: What You Can Do. Sponsors:Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEGFam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPODK12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a cultural moment that often overcomplicates the fundamental task of raising good people, Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker offers a return to grounded, compassionate wisdom. This isn't about theoretical perfection; it's a conversation rooted in decades of clinical practice and real-life experience. Dr. Meg Meeker, a practicing pediatrician and mother, draws from her unique perspective as both a medical doctor and a bestselling author to address the anxieties and questions modern parents face. Each episode feels like a thoughtful dialogue, whether she's speaking with a fellow expert on child development or unpacking a listener's concern. You'll hear discussions that span the practicalities of daily discipline to the deeper challenges of fostering resilience and character in kids and teens. The tone is consistently reassuring yet direct, cutting through the noise of conflicting advice to focus on what truly strengthens a family. Listening to this podcast provides more than just strategies; it offers a framework for building trust and connection through every age and stage. Dr. Meeker’s approach validates the difficulties while empowering parents with actionable insights, making the journey feel less lonely and more manageable. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to move beyond survival and actively nurture great kids.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 288: From Hardship to Hope | Faith, Perseverance & True Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:47
Can faith and perseverance really transform a life from survival to success? In this inspiring episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Angela “Stikks” Adams—a single mom turned successful model and found…
Ep. 287: Discipline Without Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
Parenting strong-willed kids can be exhausting—but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. In this episode, Dr. Meg is joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, to talk abo…
Ep. 286: How to Raise a Future Millionaire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Can today’s teens still achieve financial freedom in a world of soaring inflation, student debt, and housing costs? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Rachel Rodgers, entrepreneur and author of Future Million…
Ep.285: Conversation Starters That Build Real Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:24
Do your kids shut down when you try to talk? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by licensed therapist Beliza Perez, the creator of FAM Gabs, for a sponsored conversation on how to build emotional closeness through…
Ep. 283: Snapchat. Roblox. TikTok. They're fun—until they're not. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:37
July has been all about parenting in the digital age, and today we take a hard look at the dark side of school devices, emojis, and disappearing apps—with Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies and…
Ep. 281: Keeping Kids Safe in the Age of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:36
Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Leslie Tyler, Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a champion for Children’s Digital Wellness, to unpack the risks and opportunities AI brings into our children’s lives. In this episode, w…
Ep. 279: "Dad, I’ve Got This”: Raising Independent Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:34
In this special Father’s Day episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Rob Finlay, author of Hey Dad, Everything You Should Have Learned About Life but Didn’t. They dive into how parents—especially dads—can raise kids who are p…