Standing With Gus! Shame on Bullying Commentators
A Call for Compassion and Respect for the NeuroDivergent Community
By Linda Karanzalis, MS, BCCS
My heart breaks for Gus Walz (the son of Democratic Vice President nominee Tim Walz) who was mocked by so-called adult national political commentators acting like playground bullies. Like Gus, I have NVLD and understand the pain of being judged and mistreated. NVLD goes beyond academic difficulties, impacting social interactions and how we interpret the world. Despite being average to above intelligence, communication can be a constant challenge. We often aren’t sure if we truly understand others or if they understand us. Because we are articulate, our struggles are typically dismissed, leading others to wrongly label us as lazy or uncaring.
In my book Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood: Recognizing and Coping with NVLD, I discuss the profound damage caused by cruelty inflicted on those grappling with NVLD and other learning disabilities. As a child, I often felt isolated and lonely, excluded and misunderstood by my teachers and peers. Bullying is traumatic for anyone, but for neurodivergents, the invalidation erases their sense of reality. It leaves deep scars that need care and support to heal. It’s hard to comprehend the pain caused when influential national figures, driven by agenda, ignorance, and callousness, abuse their power and are convinced they are beyond accountability. Their actions deepen feelings of isolation, stripping away any sense of belonging, all while revealing a disturbing lack of basic humanity.
The public’s united stand against Gus’s bullying empowered us all. When a community says, “We see you, we stand with you,” it transforms isolation into inclusion and turns victims into symbols of strength—this moment of public affirmation advanced neurodivergent awareness nationwide.
It sent a powerful message to neurodivergents facing similar struggles in silence, showing that the world is evolving and becoming more aware of conditions like NVLD and the challenges they face. Fast-forwarding to a culture of understanding that values diversity. Reflecting on how far we’ve come in raising awareness about neurodivergence, I remember a time when there was no such conversation—I was simply “misunderstood,” “misdiagnosed,” and “mistreated.” Thanks to advocates like myself, we are building a world where differences are embraced. Gus’s story is part of that progress, helping to reshape the landscape for the neurodivergent community. Thinking, learning, and doing things differently isn’t better or worse—just different. We are all entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, not just a select portion of the population. We must remember the many gifts that come with neurodivergence and their innovative contributions that have enriched society throughout history.
Linda Karanzalis, a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, is the author of Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood: Recognizing and Coping with NVLD, endorsed by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Ned Hallowell. In 1997, Linda established the ADDvantaeges Learning Center, one of the first in the country for neurodivergent students of all ages. She is the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Harrison Slyvestor Award from the Learning Disabilities of America. She is recognized for her efforts and as one of the top national advocates in the community for neurodivergent learners.
Find out more about her story and book at www.lindakaranzalis.com.
Follow Linda Karanzalis through her social media accounts:
Join the NVLD and NeuroDivergent Facebook Support Group
Linda Karanzalis, MS
Linda Karanzalis, MS, is a former special education classroom teacher with over 25 years of experience in the areas of learning disabilities, ADHD, social-emotional learning, social skills training, and behavior management
