Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor
Jordan Darensbourg, a sophomore Meteorology major from Smyrna, Ga., is one of the friendliest guys you could meet on the campus of Jackson State University. He’s active on campus and many people don’t know that Jordan has Asperger syndrome, which is an autism spectrum disorder.
April is National Autism Awareness month and Darensbourg wants to raise awareness about the disorder on campus by sharing his story. Asperger syndrome belongs to a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.
“Autism is an issue that has never been addressed as much as it should, and that really saddens me because this is one of the biggest issues among us as Americans, and the fact that certain people have not been able to understand people with Autism is highly nonsensical,” said Darensbourg. “Too often people like us are not seen as the face of autism. I want to be an example of how successful people with Asperger’s can be if they receive the help that they deserve early on.”
He added: “It is not talked about in the African American community because mental health is looked down on. But we need to change that. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Asperger’s folks like me have a unique perspective in life. We see the world through a different set of lenses. And I am cool with that. It is what makes me who I am. Early detection and intervention is so important because without it, thousands of children with Autism have nothing to help them become successful through life. I am fortunate enough to have had that support and that intervention at a young age so that I could be more successful.”
Jordan excels at JSU and was recently elected by his class to be Mr. Junior 2014-2015. He is also a member of several organizations: Chorale, JSU Singers, Honors College, SGA Street Team, RUF, and Catholic Student Association.
“The accomplishment is that I have been elected by my peers to have the honor of being JSU’s next Mr. Junior, and what makes it more special is that I was elected during Autism Awareness Month. I want the Superb Class of 2016 to be remembered as the best class ever at Jackson State. I believe we as a class can make a difference in the world of awareness whether it be autism, sickle cell or other special needs,” said Darensbourg.
His future goal is to become a television meteorologist in a major city, like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York.
“I see myself in front of a screen doing weather reports that can potentially save lives,” he said.
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