Al Roker Shares Video of Son with Autism Learning He's Been Accepted to College
Michelle Milliken
Getting into college is an exciting time for a teenager, and probably just as exciting for their parents. This is especially true if there has been a bumpy road to get there. Beloved TV personality Al Roker and his family are no different, as shown in a recent Instagram video of his son - who has autism - learning he's been accepted into college.
Roker posted the video of his son Nick in mid-December. As he's filming, his wife Deborah asks Nick what happened as he looks at his phone.
He replies, "I got accepted... I'm not even kidding."
When asked how many acceptances that makes, Nick replies that it's now his second.
His father then pipes in asking if he's excited, to which Nick of course replies that he is. Then there are hugs and high fives all around.
This news is extra meaningful to the Roker family due to struggles Nick has had. TODAY notes that he was diagnosed with autism as a child, facing developmental delays since infancy. By the age of 3, he was barely speaking or walking.
Fast forward to today, and the family has been doing college tours to find a school for their accomplished son. It's been rife with the usual emotions for his parents. Al told TODAY, "I just... I don’t know that I'm ready for him to leave yet. Time marches on."
During a recent appearance on The View, Deborah also spoke of how proud she was of Nick and his progress.
She said, "Many of you know, we have been on a journey with our son Nick, who over his lifetime has been dealing with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities. But he has accomplished so many things... He just got accepted into college."
A lot of those developments have been witnessed throughout the pandemic, when, much like everyone else, the Roker family has spent lots of time in close proximity. Though the disruption in routine has been tough, Al says he's proud of how Nick has adapted and matured throughout this time.
He told AARP The Magazine, "The nicest part about this experience has been spending more time with Nick, and watching him grow and learn. You want the best for your kids, and this period has been hard because all our normal routines have just been turned upside down. But Nick is adaptable."
It isn't yet known which college he will be attending, but congratulations are in order for the soon-to-be college kid.
