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

A Must Read For All....

A Must Read For All....

I wish I'd have read this long ago...
loves around me and my own would be far different...

So absolutely enlightening.

absolutely loved this young boys personal expression. incredibly eye opening. Beautiful, so many questions answered . thank you SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY. I pray others do the same to keep learning the beauty behind those eyes.

Must read!

If you are a parent or just know someone this book is a must read. Every person on the spectrum is different and not every question applied to my own son but a lot of them did and gave me insight.

wow

I cried during the I'm Right Here chapter, this is a great book. thank you.

It is just more than insightful

Whether Naoki Higashida wrote it completely on his own (which I believe he did and is capable of) or if he had assistance or support, this book displays insight that is much needed not only in the field but in the homes of really anyone who is touch by the world of the neurodivergent (which at this point is pretty much everyone, whether you know it or not). I started it to gain more insight for my son who is currently without verbal communication and wound up identifying with much of my childhood as well as even aspects of my current life. This further makes me feel it is truly his work, the work of a mind on the spectrum.

The story at the end was so beautiful and truly encapsulates Higashida’s talent and ability as an author.

First and foremost, we should never underestimate the abilities of even children. We owe them at least the benefit of the doubt. Second, no one understands the mind of one who has to live entrap in ones head like oneself. I believe he was able to produce such a work because he had so much time with himself to figure it out. I resonate with this. I may be biased, but I enjoyed and gained enlightenment from this book. I hope others may do so as well.

Absolutely recommend!

What a great blessing to hear his story. I now have a whole new perspective on my 3 year old daughter’s life. I will also have her grandparents and sister listen as well.

My life

I wasn't diagnosed till my early 30s and honestly...it was nice to hear I wasn't the only one with those thoughts, feelings, and challenges.

Good information and Good story

kudos to the author for writing such an insightful book at such a young age.

Read carefully... a personal account

Great insight into the life of a person with autism. Candid, innocent, and insightful. Too many "people with autism think/do/etc..." generalized statements which may not apply to all people with autism and may be misleading to those not familiar with the diagnosis.

Eye-opening

This fantastic insight into the mind of a 13 year old autistic boy has completely changed my understanding of autism and the autism spectrum. I believe reading this book has made me a better ally and will make me more compassionate, not just for autistic individuals, but for humanity at large. Higashida is a fantastic story-teller, and the book has been translated beautifully into English, with tell-tale Japanese characteristics that bring out the personality of Higashida. Highly recommend.