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

Remarkable Read

As a parent of a young Autism child, this made perfect sense. Such a helpful insight.

Terrific detail

A fantastic, detailed trip inside the mind of an autistic boy and what the world looks like from their vantage point. Poignant short stories woven throughout. Great narration and introduction from parent of an autistic child.

If you are human, you should listen to this book.

This book offers such a unique perspective, and inside perspective on people with ASD. I highly recommend for all, but especially those raising children with ASD.

Mom of an autistic toddler feeling emotional and so inspired

There is something so simple but powerful about hearing his experience as an autistic child. While all our children are on a spectrum it was beautiful to hear my little boy in his experience and try to really understand from the inside out of my son as a neurotypical parent. I highly recommend and plan to read this yearly or more as just a good reminder when the patience is low and the days are long.

Beautiful

Beautiful. Moving. Touches the heart of parents who are looking to understand and relate. Would highly recommend

Wonderful insight into an autistic boy's mind

Wonderful insight into an autistic boy's mind. I have an autistic son and this book provides an inside view of what my son may be going through.

Wish there were a lot more like this.

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

It's insight into the autistic condition

If you’ve listened to books by Naoki Higashida before, how does this one compare?

I have not read other books by Naoki Higashida

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

I didn't really have any major reactions, it just made me think

Valuable to Families of ASD Children

Any additional comments?

A very illuminating insight in to the experience of a child on the Autism Spectrum.

Very helpful.

An insight we usually never get

What did you love best about The Reason I Jump?

Straight forward, good translation, understandable, about something most of us do not understand.

What other book might you compare The Reason I Jump to and why?

"Nowhere Near Normal: A Memoir of OCD" by Traci Foust is an insight into OCD that I find accessible, and leading to more understanding and compassion for people with this in their lives.

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

He read it very well. the language was easy and flowing. No apologies. He sounded as if the author was reading it himself.

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

Neither. I know Autistic people. A family member is "in the spectrum". It helps me understand something that I have lived along side my whole life. More compassion for the strides he has made considering this obstacle in his life.

Any additional comments?

I recommended this to many people.

excellent

so thought provoking! what a fascinating look into the world of this incredible young person!