The Reason I Jump

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

By: Naoki Higashida

Narrated by: Tom Picasso

Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Autistic's Perspective

This book was a good look into one autistic's experience. It generalized a bit too much for the spectrum of autistic experiences, though. I would consider it important reading for anyone trying to gain some insight into how some autistics experience the world.

Outstanding Read

What a privilege to be able to have such an intimate look into the mind of a young autistic child.

I tell everyone about this book

If you have a child or know or work with a person with autism this is the most eye opening book there is. Severe autism can be difficult to understand but getting to know his story and very astute perspective will change you. This book is worth the time to take it in.

One of the most amazing books I ever read

As someone with both verbal and high-functioning autism as well as a teacher of children with non-verbal autism or limited communication, this might be the best book I’ve ever read! I always wondered the degree of difference between my mild autism and my more severe students, and this book has taught me that we are very alike, more than I originally thought. Additionally, I am hoping to someday start a book club at my middle school I work at to explain these things to my neurotypical colleagues. Lastly, I have learned through this interesting narrative that - for both me and my students- I should stop masking my autism and instead inspire people to be who they are. Thank you Naoki, you are amazing and such a hero to me on my own autism journey!

An interview?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It was interview style. Why do you do X? Because...

It wasn't a story or even particularly interesting. Having an autistic son myself I was hoping for some insight cloaked in a good biography but its severly lacking in both.

What was most disappointing about Naoki Higashida’s story?

"If you've met one child with autism you've met one child with autism". While their was some interesting material its not applicable to even MOST autistic kids since they are so different. This book stereotypes autistic kids.

What aspect of Tom Picasso’s performance would you have changed?

Narration was good.

Was The Reason I Jump worth the listening time?

Its pretty short so yes it was alright.

Must Read

What did you love best about The Reason I Jump?

The author is a thirteen year old autistic boy. He gives such insight into what it is like to have autism that at times it is hard to remember he is only thirteen. Interwoven into the narration are tales he has written which fit beautifully into the whole.

excellent book, highly recommend

Super helpful and eye opening! This book is so good And really describes life from the child's point of view

Insight into Autism

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The books gives insight into autism through a first hand account.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The book is a narrative.

What does Tom Picasso bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I probably would not have read the book since I usually like to read fiction when I sit to read. But listening to this account made it an efficient way to gain this perspective.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Autism first hand account.

This Book Explains so Much!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

One hundred percent yes!!! Anyone who has experience with an autistic child whether it is your own or someone elses this book gives such an insight to how their minds are working. Especially with my son who cannot communicate.

What did you like best about this story?

This book has explained to me the differences between to the normal child and the special needs child. The suggestions the boy makes is so helpful. This book has taught me how to approach my son differently then I would normally do with a normal child.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The encouragement the author gives the reader every chapter. Telling the reader not to give up on the child, just approach every situation in differently from the next. When one method does not work try another and another, just keep trying. The child will need all the skills and support they can get.

Must read for anyone dealing w/ autistic children

What made the experience of listening to The Reason I Jump the most enjoyable?

I am the parent of an autistic boy.

What did you like best about this story?

What he is experiencing in his own words. These words don't always answer the question, but it is how he is thinking about it. I am very glad this was finally translated into english and made an audiobook. The subject of the book was born in 1992, and wrote this when he was 13.