OUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa —
April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local teenager is showing what’s possible when determination meets the right support.
His name is Noah Houston, and he’s excelling at Iowa Western Community College.
“I’m doing sports media for my major. And I’m also a track and field athlete,” Houston said.
But his success today doesn’t tell the full story of the hurdles he’s overcome.
“When he was diagnosed shortly after 2, it was pretty heavy,” said his mother, Lynn Haver.
Noah’s mom, Lynn Haver, was told her son had autism and might never be able to speak.
“He had patterns and behaviors and things that just weren’t typical,” Haver said.
Not sure what to do, she followed guidance from professionals who recommended early schooling.
“It was monumental in his development. And it’s really six hours a day, four days a week. He was around peer models,” Haver said.
With support from Elkhorn Public Schools and a mindset focused on possibility, Noah pushed past the expectations doctors once set.
“I’m not going to put limits on it. So, if we start talking more, that’s great. If we start driving someday, that’s great. I didn’t say he will never do these things,” Haver said.
Now 18 years old, Noah is doing all of that and more, even discovering a passion along the way when he joined his high school track team.
“Every race, he just kept getting faster and faster and faster,” Haver said.
His success landed him a place in Elkhorn High School’s record books.
“It was 4×4 school record, 3:24.56, and that was set in conference,” Houston said.
Those accomplishments helped earn him a spot on the Iowa Western track team.
“Giving track a try really paid off,” Houston said.
When he’s not running or in class, Noah is gaining hands-on experience in media. He interns on Jimmie Allen’s radio show.
“I basically control the entire show. I work the audio board, and I have to cut out the audio. I have to serve the streams,” Houston said.
Through sports media, he’s looking to use his voice for his career.
“At one time, we were told he wasn’t going to talk. We were unsure if he was going to live on his own,” he said.
Now, Noah continues to prove that expectations are not limitations.
“I’m just kind of watching in awe. The sky is the limit with him,” Haver said.