CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A Chapel Hill father is hopeful more compassion is in the air, following a heartwarming moment between another father and his son last week during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Last week, vice presidential nominee Tim Walz shouted out to his son Gus, and the moment that resulted has been felt by countless Americans across the country. Gus Walz, overcome by emotion, could be seen saying "that's my dad, that's my dad."
The moment, said Sam Brandsen, ignited a much-needed conversation.
Brandsen’s son, Johan, has autism and is neurodivergent.
He says Wednesday night was a critical moment.
"Started bringing up a lot of conversation about the topic of neurodiversity, which is wonderful and my hope is that the conversation continues and people are better able to understand neurodiversity," Sam Brandsen said.
Brandsen is neurodivergent himself and went on to complete his doctorate in physics at Duke University with a focus on quantum information theory.
But he said his focus has shifted from physics research to autism research as he tries to make life better for those under the neurodiversity spectrum.
Brandsen works everyday to shine a light on learning disorders through his family, research at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and through TheraFriends, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have children with learning disabilities. He is a board member at TheraFriends.
Brandsen said last week's moment is just as invaluable.
“Yeah it was a viral moment, which started bringing up a lot of conversation on the topic of neurodiversity, which is wonderful. It's good to bring an attitude of accepting and understanding towards it," Brandsen said.