NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert is best known for his sharp reporting on air. In his new memoir, Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son and My Journey with Autism, he shares a more personal story: his own.

As a child, Vittert didn’t speak until he was three and often struggled to connect with others. School was difficult and bullying made it even harder.

His parents, Mark and Carol Vittert, encouraged him to keep trying every day and looked for creative ways to help him adapt to the world around him. They focused on what he could do, rather than what he couldn’t.

His dad created his own ways to help his son learn social skills. A simple tap on his watch became their quiet cue, a reminder for Leland to pause and listen during a conversation.

With his parents’ guidance, Leland gradually built confidence. He went on to graduate from Northwestern University, started his career as a news host on local stations and eventually joined NewsNation.

In Born Lucky, Vittert honors the parents who helped him find his voice and empowers families raising children with autism.

“Adversity is your friend,” he writes. “It’s how you grow stronger.” Born Lucky is available now wherever books are sold.

This article has information from the People Magazine and Psychology Today.