Tim Walz and His Wife, Gwen, Open Up About Son's Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: 'His Secret Power' (Exclusive)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, are opening up to PEOPLE about their "brilliant" 17-year-old son, Gus, who has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder — all conditions that they call his "secret power."

In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE on Aug. 7, Tim — who was just selected as Kamala Harris’ 2024 vice presidential candidate — and Gwen say that they saw glimmers of Gus' unique qualities at an early age.

"When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates," the couple tell PEOPLE. "Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself."

The statement continues: "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."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, non-verbal learning disorders like the one Gus has impact how children absorb and utilize information, but they are manageable with interventions that can help those who are affected learn in different ways. "Non-verbal" in this case is not the same as "non-speaking."

"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 couple say.

"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 add.

Tim and Gwen have previously spoken about the obstacles they faced when they first wanted to start a family. During a March 2024 interview with the Star Tribune, Tim revealed that Gwen underwent fertility treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for seven years in hopes of getting pregnant.

In January 2001, the couple became first-time parents, welcoming their daughter, Hope. In October 2006, they welcomed their son, Gus.

On social media, Walz can often be seen applauding his children's achievements. In October 2023, he marked a “proud dad moment” with a photo of Gus passing his driver's license exam. 

Speaking to PEOPLE about their son's learning disorder, Tim and Gwen say Gus "is brilliant, hyper-aware of details that many of us pass by, and above all else, he’s an excellent son and brother to his sibling."

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With the Walzes entering the national spotlight almost overnight, Gus and his sister have already found themselves in front of more cameras and reporters than ever before. Hours after their father was chosen to be the Democratic vice presidential nominee, they were filmed arriving in Philadelphia for his first campaign rally.

"We love our Gus," Tim and Gwen say, "we are proud of the man he’s growing into, and we are so excited to have him with us on this journey."