Michigan Family Whose Autistic Son Became an Award-Winning College Runner Launches Website to Inspire Others Struggling with Autism

Online, July 14, 2013 (Newswire.com) - In 1986, when Scott Howse was first diagnosed with autism at the age of three, his parents, Ken and Connie Howse, of Livonia, Michigan - were told by medical professionals that he would eventually be institutionalized.

When he was still not talking intelligibly by the age of six, they wondered if the prognosis was correct. However, even before he was able to talk fluently, Scott had already shown an aptitude for running.

Scott, now 29, enjoyed a successful collegiate running career as part of the cross country team at Schoolcraft College, in Livonia, Michigan, where he was named "Most Valuable Runner" in 2008. He also was an award-winning runner at Livonia's Churchill High School and the Livonia Middle School Cross-Country and Track Champion at Livonia's Riley Middle School (now Riley Upper Elementary School).

Scott continues to participate in local Detroit-area road races and his love for running continues to inspire his family, friends and other runners.

His parents have recently launched a new website to share Scott's inspiring story and to encourage other people with autism and their families to continue to strive for greatness despite their condition.

Their website - AutismLighthouse.com - is designed to offer advice, inspiration and direction for people with autism and their families, according to Scott's mom, Connie Howse.

"We launched this new website to offer encouragement, inspiration and helpful articles to people who are going through the same struggles that Scott went through," she said. "We want people to understand that people with disabilities can accomplish great things."

The website also features information about nutritional supplements, a gluten-free cookbook, inspirational quotes, original poems and stories.

Another exciting feature is the website's free "Autism Survival Guide," a comprehensive booklet that provides advice and answers questions such as:

• What exactly is autism?
• How to understand where an autistic child is coming from
• How to prevent your child's autism from causing you financial problems

For Scott, autism has been just another hurdle to be overcome on his path to a successful, fulfilling life. When he isn't running in organized races or training with his brothers and father, Scott is participating in church activities, taking college classes and working at a job training program.

He also contributes to Autism Lighthouse, including sharing his perspective on how autism has affected his life.

Visit www.autismlighthouse.com to get the free Autism Survival Guide and learn more.