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

Insightful!

Cleverly organized into short chapters ranging in topics. I enjoyed this and found it very insightful into the minds of those on the spectrum.

Beautiful Insight

Whether you have a special person in your life who is on the spectrum or you’re just curious, this is a beautiful look into the mind and life of a young boy with Autism.

perspective on autism.

I enjoyed the story and his explanation/ perspective on autism and life and death.

Highly insightful.

I purchased this book in the hopes of better understanding myself and my boys, as we are all on the spectrum. what I didn't expect was to identify so strongly with what is said, and to come to a better understanding of what my boys struggle with.

So enlightening

This is my 2nd time reading this book. My daughter is autistic and Naoki gives a beautiful and authentic look into the minds and feelings of the neurodiverse community. It truly helps in understanding and in being able to relate and engage with my daughter in a meaningful way. So grateful for Naoki’s words, beautiful stories, explanations and this book as a whole.

Great Listen for my Daughter and Me!

My daughter is 26 and High Functioning Autistic and visually impaired and I have been DX ADHD as adult. It gave us a lot to talk about as she has also come a long way. It jind of freaked me out, as I seemed to relate to him as much as my daughter, so got me thinking I could be on the Asperger end of the syndrome. We are both doing pretty well, but listening to this book opened up some great conversations for us.
Well done!

Informatively interesting

The only people I have been in contact with that had autism have been highly functional. I did find this book informative and if I had a child or student with autism, I would listen to this book again.

A must listen

As much insightful as it is heart warming and heart breaking. A must listen for all, especially anyone who wants to understand and connect.

View into a locked room

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Hearing the voice escape from the prison of autism.

Could you see The Reason I Jump being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe, it could be a vehicle for building sympathy and understanding of this terrible infliction.

Insightful

The title says it all, it was a very enjoyable listen and parts of it made me emotional.
The author, Naoki did an awesome job putting words to feelings and actions that are otherwise unexplainable - imagine having to explain why you twirl your hair, whistle in the shower or tap your feet.
I'd recommend this to anyone seeking insight to the beautiful world of autism.