What Is Joubert Syndrome?
My name is Noldon Starks, and I am a senior at Shaker Heights High School. I have Joubert Syndrome. Joubert Syndrome affects my speech, my balance, and my coordination. Most normal things take me more time. For example, I take longer on homework assignments and tests than other students. It also takes me longer to tie my shoes. I did not walk independently until I was about three and a half.
When I was in elementary school, people would look at me funny. Other kids teased me by imitating my head motions. They would ask me why I shook my head, but at that age I was too embarrassed to tell them.
Living with Joubert Syndrome Symptoms
My disorder doesn’t prevent me from doing the things that I want to do, though. In the summer of 2008, I traveled to
Now that I’m in high school and the teasing has faded off a little, I don’t feel embarrassed when people ask me why I shake my head. I just explain my situation to them. That moment in London gave me the power to be myself.