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Local boy with autism finds voice through technology, inspiring others

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 16:52 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Jakob Jenn Jordan: A Cincinnati Boy With Autism Who Finds His Voice Through Technology

In a heart‑warming story that has captured the attention of Cincinnati’s local media, 12‑year‑old Jakob Jenn Jordan is turning a lifelong challenge—autism—into a powerful catalyst for self‑expression and community inspiration. Featured on the local news outlet Local12, Jakob’s journey illustrates how the intersection of neurodiversity and technology can create new pathways for personal growth and social impact.

Early Life and the Spark of Curiosity

Jakob was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and his early years were marked by intense sensory sensitivities and difficulty communicating his thoughts and emotions. His parents, Sarah and Mark Jordan, describe the first time Jakob’s “voice” emerged: when he was eight, they brought home a simple tablet and let him play an interactive coding game. Within minutes, Jakob was creating a small program that responded to touch, and the moment he watched his creation come alive on the screen, his eyes lit up in a way that had never happened before.

“We noticed he was far more engaged and focused when he was working with technology,” says Mark. “It was like he finally found a language that didn’t require him to negotiate with others.”

The Power of Technology

Jakob’s fascination with technology led him to a local after‑school program hosted by the Cincinnati Youth Tech Hub. The program offers free coding lessons and robotics workshops for students of all abilities. Jakob quickly became a standout participant, mastering the basics of Scratch and Python, and eventually building a simple robot that could follow a line on a board.

His most recent project—a virtual reality experience that simulates a calming forest—has been showcased at several community events, including the annual Cincinnati Inclusive Arts Festival. In the VR demo, Jakob himself explains the calming effect of the program, pointing out that “the forest sounds and the gentle breeze help me feel less overwhelmed.”

“Technology has become the bridge that connects Jakob to the world,” says Maya Patel, the program coordinator. “He’s now able to express complex ideas that he couldn’t convey before.”

Inspiring Others in the Community

Jakob’s story has resonated with many families in the Cincinnati area. In a segment on Local12, he interviewed several peers who attend the Youth Tech Hub, sharing how they too are discovering new forms of communication through coding and robotics. The program’s director, Jordan Lee, highlighted that “neurodivergent students often bring unique perspectives that enrich the entire classroom.”

In addition to his involvement with the Youth Tech Hub, Jakob has partnered with the Cincinnati Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CCADD). The CCADD has been instrumental in providing the necessary sensory accommodations and one‑on‑one support that enable Jakob to thrive in a structured learning environment. Through their “Tech for All” initiative, CCADD sponsors a quarterly showcase where students demonstrate their tech projects to parents, teachers, and local leaders.

The local media coverage also brought attention to the Cincinnati Department of Public Health’s initiative to expand access to technology tools for students with special needs. The department’s website (cincinnatiedepartment.gov/tech-access) outlines a grant program that provides tablets and educational software to schools across the city.

From Personal Growth to Leadership

Jakob’s journey has not just been about mastering code; it has also cultivated a sense of purpose. He recently participated in a student leadership roundtable hosted by the Cincinnati Civic Engagement Office, where he shared his vision for a “Digital Inclusion Initiative” that would help other autistic students in the region learn coding skills and build confidence.

“The moment I see a child’s eyes light up when they create something, I know this is what I want to do,” Jakob told the camera. “I want to help other kids feel like they can do anything with a little technology and a lot of support.”

His school, Maple Ridge Elementary, has also recognized Jakob’s contributions by naming a new STEM lab after him. The lab will provide a dedicated space where students can experiment with robotics, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies under the guidance of trained mentors.

Looking Ahead

Jakob’s parents are optimistic about the future. “We’re looking forward to seeing him pursue a degree in computer science,” says Sarah. “He’s already talking about building apps that help other kids who feel left out.”

Meanwhile, local organizations are already planning to expand their tech‑based programs. The Cincinnati Youth Tech Hub is working with CCADD to develop a “Mobile Coding Camp” that will travel to underserved neighborhoods, bringing the same level of support and resources that Jakob has benefited from.

Final Thoughts

Jakob Jenn Jordan’s story is a compelling reminder that challenges can become catalysts for innovation. By embracing technology, he has found a voice that transcends traditional communication barriers, empowered his peers, and sparked a movement toward digital inclusion for neurodivergent students in Cincinnati. As his journey continues to unfold, it serves as a beacon for families and educators looking to harness technology’s transformative power to unlock potential in every child.