October 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Individual Spotlight: Jordan Thompson

MEET JORDAN Overcoming Life’s Challenges, Jordan Truly Is “Destined For Greatness”!

Written by Elaine Bender Photos by Julian Curet

Elaine Bender

Julian Curet

JORDAN’S JOURNEY Twenty-year-old Jordan Thompson, a no-nonsense guy, is the younger twin of Greg and Lisa Thompson. After learning she was having twins, Lisa dreamt of her children playing soccer together and exchanging roles at school, but little did they know the life they had envisioned would change drastically over the next three years. While in utero, Jordan had a stroke, which affected his right side, his speech and language, and his cognitive ability. At the age of 3, Jordan was diagnosed with autism, and their pediatrician directed them to the integrated preschool in their school district, along with referrals to speech, occupational and physical therapies.

Struggles with self-regulation began in the fifth grade for Jordan. Unable to communicate his feelings appropriately, he resorted to hitting himself in the head whenever he was anxious or overwhelmed. But thankfully, as he entered high school, the IEP team started the socialemotional thinking curriculum. This helped Jordan understand what emotions were, what they felt like, what situations he might experience and what calming strategies he could use. It also taught him to understand the size of his reaction compared to the size of the problem. Since implementing this program, his outbursts have decreased significantly.

A SCARY TIME At the age of 16, Jordan had his first of 18 seizures while at a football game. Luckily, EMS was on site, and when Jordan woke up in the emergency room, all he wanted to know was if the Copley football team was winning. Thirty % of people with autism can develop epilepsy, but the Thompsons never thought it would apply to them.

Even through his challenges, Jordan is amazing. He loves to read Dog Man and Cat Kid comic chapter books, and his best friend is his computer, just like most teenagers today. “Jordan makes me want to be the best I can be both in my personal life as his mother/guardian/advocate and in my professional life planning programs for families living a similar journey,” his mom reflects. Her son’s disability led Lisa to a job at the Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA), helping connect families to each other and to their community. Autism is in the name, but the organization is welcoming of all disabilities, since many families face the same challenges. ASGA works with community organizations to help them adapt to autismfriendly event formats, enabling families to take part in activities they normally would not attend. ASGA also provides support groups and skill enhancement programs, such as learning to ride a two-wheel bike and water safety.

LISA’S ADVICE TO OTHER FAMILIES “Talk with other parents to learn about their experience. We often say almost everything we know about autism, we learned from other parents. You know your loved one best so go with your gut feelings and continue to advocate for what you feel is needed. Get involved with your school so people get to know you, and you can help others understand how to interact with and support people with disabilities. Make time for yourself; you need to take care of you along this journey. When faced with decisions, do your research and make the best decision with the information you have and then have no regrets. Take time to educate those that will allow you to about your child’s disability as there is more work to be done in the world of acceptance. This is a hard one, but learn how to step back and let your loved one be independent. Learn to laugh at things, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others; it is not a sign of weakness.”

THE FUTURE Jordan currently attends a transition employment program with job-coach support by Copley High School and is hoping to get an externship with the local CVS store this year. Even with preparation, though, there may not be enough employers who understand the benefits of hiring an employee with disabilities. Jordan gets his tasks done quickly and efficiently, has a fear of being late and doesn’t like to miss work. Sounds like the makings of a good employee!

Jordan’s story is surrounded by support from his family, including his grandmother who lives with them, support from school with his IEP team, support from the community, and support from important organizations like AGSA. Together they are advocating for not only Jordan, but many other local families and promoting positive change.