Tim Walz and wife Gwen embrace son Gus' non-verbal learning disorder in the sweetest way
MINNESOTA: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, have shared an intimate look into their family life, particularly their 18-year-old son, Gus, who has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder.
The couple, who recently found themselves in the national spotlight following Tim's selection as Kamala Harris' 2024 vice presidential candidate, spoke exclusively to People about their son’s unique challenges and strengths.
Gus's conditions became evident during his childhood, and the family worked to understand and support his needs.
Tim Walz and Gwen praise son Gus's unique abilities amid non-verbal learning disorder
"When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates," the couple told PEOPLE. "Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself."
"When he was becoming a teenager, we learned that Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder in addition to an anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that millions of Americans also have," he added.
Gus's non-verbal learning disorder affects how he absorbs and utilizes information. Despite the misleading term, "non-verbal" in this context does not mean non-speaking but rather refers to difficulties with non-verbal cues and spatial awareness. With proper interventions, those affected can learn effectively in alternative ways, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"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,"
Tim and Gwen said. "It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power."
The Walzes have been open about the challenges they faced starting their family. Tim revealed in a March 2024 interview with the Star Tribune that Gwen underwent fertility treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for seven years. Their efforts were rewarded with the birth of their daughter, Hope, in January 2001, followed by Gus in October 2006.
On social media, Tim Walz frequently celebrates his children's milestones. In October 2023, he shared a "proud dad moment" with a photo of Gus passing his driver's license exam.
The couple emphasizes Gus's brilliance and his keen attention to details that many overlook. "He’s an excellent son and brother to his sibling," they noted.
With Tim's recent selection as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, the Walz family has stepped into a new level of public attention. Gus and his sister have been seen more frequently in front of cameras and reporters, including during their father's first campaign rally in Philadelphia.
"We love our Gus," Tim and Gwen affirmed. "We are proud of the man he’s growing into, and we are so excited to have him with us on this journey."
Tim Walz, the family man
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been serving since 2019, is now in the national spotlight as Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 presidential election. While Tim is an experienced politician, he is also deeply committed to his family.
Born in Glencoe, Minnesota, Gwen's maiden name is Whipple.
Gwen is a veteran educator and a prison reform advocate. She attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter and Minnesota State University in Mankato. Her career began as an English teacher in Nebraska, and she later served as an administrator and coordinator for the Mankato Area Public Schools.
She has also been involved with the Bard Prison Initiative in New York, which provides educational opportunities to inmates.
Gwen is passionate about education and prison reform, leveraging her experience to support initiatives aimed at improving educational access for all, including those incarcerated.
Tim Walz is a proud father to daughter Hope, 23, and son Gus, 18, both of whom were conceived through IVF. Walz recently expressed on Facebook, "Gwen and I have two beautiful children thanks to reproductive healthcare like IVF. This matter is deeply personal for our family and many others."
According to Newsweek, Hope has two petty misdemeanor speeding convictions, one in 2017, for which she was fined $225 plus fees, and another in 2019, resulting in a $198 fine.
The Walz family also includes two pets, a rescue cat and a rescue dog. Scout, a black lab mix, was adopted from the Midwest Animal Rescue in 2019. More recently, in February 2024, Walz welcomed Honey, a rescue cat from the Animal Humane Society, into the family.
