The Reason I Jump: one boy's voice from the silence of autism

📘 About This Book

The internationally bestselling account of life as a child with autism A Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Now an award-winning documentary film Published in over 30 languages 'It will stretch your vision of what it is to be human' Andrew Solomon, The Times What is it like to have autism? How can we know what a person - especially a child - with autism is thinking and feeling? This groundbreaking book, written by Naoki Higashida when he was only thirteen, provides some answers. Severely autistic and non-verbal, Naoki learnt to communicate by using a 'cardboard keyboard' - and what he has to say gives a rare insight into an autistically-wired mind. He explains behaviour he's aware can be baffling such as why he likes to jump and why some people with autism dislike being touched; he describes how he perceives and navigates the world, sharing his thoughts and feelings about time, life, beauty and nature; and he offers an unforgettable short story. Proving that people with autism do not lack imagination, humour or empathy, THE REASON I JUMP made a major impact on its publication. A documentary film based on the book received its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. It won the festival's Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary, then further awards at the Vancouver, Denver and Valladolid International Film Festivals before its global release. The book includes eleven original illustrations inspired by Naoki's words, by the artistic duo Kai and Sunny.

📖 Summary

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida is a groundbreaking autobiographical account that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind of a severely autistic and non-verbal child. Written when Naoki was only thirteen years old, the book addresses a fundamental question that has long puzzled parents, educators, and caregivers: what is it like to experience autism from the inside, and how can we truly understand the thoughts and feelings of a non-verbal individual? Through the use of a cardboard alphabet grid, Naoki was able to spell out his thoughts, unlocking a door to a world that was previously hidden behind silence and perceived incapacity. Throughout the pages of this concise yet profound work, Naoki tackles numerous baffling behaviors associated with autism, explaining the logic and emotions behind actions that often confuse neurotypical observers. For instance, he addresses the title question directly, explaining why he and other autistic individuals love to jump, describing how the physical sensation helps them feel a sense of freedom and allows their restless bodies to connect with their spirits. He also demystifies other common traits, such as why some people with autism dislike being touched, why they may repeat certain phrases or questions, and how they perceive time, space, and sensory information differently from the rest of the world. More than just a collection of explanations for specific behaviors, the book serves as an emotional bridge between autistic children and the people who care for them. Naoki expresses deep empathy, remorse, and love for his parents and teachers, dispelling the painful myth that non-verbal individuals lack emotional depth or a desire for human connection. Instead, he reveals that beneath the outward struggles with communication and motor control lies a rich inner life filled with curiosity, anxiety, hope, and beauty. The book challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about intelligence, communication, and what it truly means to be human, stretching our vision and fostering profound empathy for those whose minds are wired differently.

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