The Reason I Jump

The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

By: Naoki Higashida, David Mitchell - Introduction, Ka Yoshida - Translator, David Mitchell - Translator

Narrated by: Tom Picasso

You've never listened to a book like The Reason I Jump. Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know. Questions such as: "Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly?" "Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks?" "Why don't you make eye contact when you're talking?" and "What's the reason you jump?" (Naoki's answer: "When I'm jumping, it's as if my feelings are going upward to the sky.")

With disarming honesty and a generous heart, Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. His insights - into the mystery of words, the wonders of laughter, and the elusiveness of memory - are so startling, so strange, and so powerful that you will never look at the world the same way again.

©2007 Naoki Higashida (P)2013 Recorded Books

An insightful glimpse into mind of an autistic child

An interesting memoir, partially translated by David Mitchell, and written by a 13 yo Japanese boy with autism. If you teach, live with, know someone who has autism or an autistic child this is (or at least was for me) an insightful glimpse into the struggles and perspectives of a child with autism.

Another reminder that there are multiple ways to experience the world. Too often it seems that we have boundaries and expectations about what it means to be normal. Not all of us see the dress as Blue/Black or White/Gold. Some of us can feel the dress and some of us don't see anything at all. The more tolerant and understanding we become of the diversity of people, I believe, the better the experience we have on this blue rock will be.

Autism is a gift.

People consider autism a disability and yet, it is a gift. People with autism all seem to have different ways of experiencing the world in ways that a non-autistic person is not able. Some feel textures and are able to become the object, some have gifts of musical or artistic ability. This is a Q&A written by a young man with autism in Japan who answers popular questions about being a person with autism. He is remarkable and gives us answers to questions that help others know what it is like to live with autism. It is a fast read, well worth your time. If everyone just took the time to understand autism and other disabilities, what a different world this would be....

I couldn't stop listening.

If you could sum up The Reason I Jump in three words, what would they be?

compassionate, compelling, illuminating

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Reason I Jump?

When he describes people with autism as being "primordial, from a past world". Just beautiful

What about Tom Picasso’s performance did you like?

heartfelt!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt so many strong emotions as listened to this book. It was really life changing for me.

Very informative!

What did you love best about The Reason I Jump?

The story was fascinating to hear. It gave me some insight into how at least this autistic person deals with life.

Amazing

I recommend this book to everyone and anyone. Once I pressed play, I couldn't stop listening.