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Posted: 1:16 PM May 6, 2007
Marshall Grad Overcomes Hurdles to Get Degree
If you have a child with autism, or know someone who does, you know it can be a scary diagnosis. The spectrum disorder can change entire families but one local man has made autism just another stepping stone on his climb to success.
Reporter: John Mulvaney Email Address: john.mulvaney@wsaz.com |
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If you have a child with autism, or know someone who does, you know it can be a scary diagnosis. The spectrum disorder can change entire families but one local man has made autism just another stepping stone on his climb to success.
To Lowell Austin and his father, Marshall University's Memorial Fountain is a symbol of hope. They see an echo of Lowell's own story of perseverance in the flowing waters.
This is a kid, who many people thought wouldn't never make it past the second grade...
At age four, Lowell's speech wasn't developing. He was diagnosed with autism and his father was told there was little hope for his son and the he should consider institutionalizing Lowell.
His whole life Lowell was told what he couldn't do.
Lowell says he doubted all the doubters.
Lowell didn't just make it past second grade, he graduated high school and surprised everyone when he decided to go to college. Lowell flourished at Marshall, even working for the football program. Now Lowell has reached a new milestone.
Lowell says his graduation from Marshall University Saturday was one of the greatest moments since when he graduated High School five years ago.
For the boy with autism, who could have given up and who was never supposed to make it, Lowell was an inspiration by graduating from college.
His father says it's just a bundle of miracles...
Lowell prefers to quote the words of the late Jim Valvano:
"Don't give up whenever the odds are insurmountable."
Lowell was recognized during Saturday's commencement ceremony by Marshall University President Stephen Kopp as an inspiration to the entire community. Lowell and his father attribute much of Lowell's Success to Marshall's Autism Services. Lowell plans to begin a career in sports marketing.
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