Book Review: "The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida

The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida & David Mitchell - A Book about living with Autism

Are you ready to make a difference and discover the beauty of neurodiversity? Let's start by opening our hearts and minds to the remarkable story of Naoki Higashida.

"We get swallowed up by the illusion that unless we can find a place to belong, we are going to be all alone in the world.”

"The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida is a captivating and enlightening memoir that offers readers a unique insight into the world of autism. Written by a non-verbal Japanese teenager with autism, this book provides a firsthand account of what it feels like to be autistic, dispelling misconceptions and offering a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.

The book is structured as a series of questions and answers, exploring various aspects of autism, such as communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and social interactions. Naoki Higashida's candid and introspective responses shed light on the inner workings of his mind and provide a deeper understanding of the thought processes and emotions experienced by individuals with autism.

“Question 25: What's the reason you jump?

When I'm jumping it's as if my feelings are going upward to the sky. Really, my urge to be swallowed up by the sky is enough to make my heart quiver. When I'm jumping, I can feel my body parts really well, too - my bounding legs and my clapping hands--and that makes me feel so, so good.”

One of the book's strengths is its ability to challenge preconceived notions about autism. Higashida's writing showcases the richness and complexity of his inner world, countering the stereotype that people with autism lack depth or intelligence. His descriptions of sensory experiences and vivid imagination give readers a glimpse into the extraordinary nature of autistic perception.

Another notable strength of "The Reason I Jump" is its emphasis on empathy and the importance of accepting neurodiversity. Higashida's poignant descriptions of the isolation and frustration that accompany his condition encourage readers to consider the challenges faced by individuals with autism and approach them with compassion and understanding. By humanizing the experiences of people with autism, the book promotes a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity.

However, it is worth noting that the book was originally written in Japanese and translated into English by David Mitchell and KA Yoshida. While the translation effectively conveys Higashida's message, there may be moments where the true nuances and subtleties of his writing are lost in translation. Nonetheless, Higashida's narrative's overall impact and power remain intact, offering a heartfelt exploration of autism from an insider's perspective.

One aspect that deserves attention is the comparison between "normal" people and autistic individuals, as described in the book. While Higashida uses these terms to highlight the differences in experiences and perceptions, it is important to acknowledge that contemporary discourse on autism tends to use the terms "neurotypical" and "neurodiverse" instead. This reflects a more inclusive and respectful approach that avoids pathologizing autism and instead recognizes the inherent diversity of neurological conditions.

About the Author: Naoki Higashida

Naoki Higashida is a remarkable author whose powerful and insightful work has touched the hearts of readers worldwide. Born in 1992 in Japan, Higashida was diagnosed with severe autism at a young age. Despite the challenges he faced in communication and understanding the world around him, he found solace and expression through his writing.

Higashida gained international recognition with the publication of his groundbreaking book, "The Reason I Jump." Originally published in Japan in 2007 when he was just thirteen years old, the book offers readers a unique glimpse into the inner world of autism. Translated into multiple languages, it quickly became a bestseller and garnered critical acclaim for its candid exploration of Higashida's experiences.

In "The Reason I Jump," Higashida provides heartfelt answers to questions that people often have about autism. Through a series of short, poetic chapters, he shares his thoughts on topics such as sensory sensitivity, repetitive behaviors, and the challenges of social interaction. His writing offers valuable insights into the mind of someone with autism, challenging misconceptions and fostering empathy.

What sets Higashida's work apart is his ability to articulate complex emotions and experiences with incredible clarity and honesty. His writing captivates readers, inviting them to see the world from his unique perspective. Through his words, he breaks down barriers and bridges the gap between the autistic and neurotypical communities, fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of those with autism.

"The Reason I Jump" not only offers a glimpse into Higashida's personal journey but also serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has a voice worth listening to. Higashida's courage and determination to share his experiences have inspired countless readers and have sparked important conversations about neurodiversity.

Naoki Higashida's profound insights and poetic prose continue to resonate with readers worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the way we perceive and understand autism. His work stands as a testament to the power of literature and the potential for individuals, regardless of their circumstances, to create meaningful change through their words.

The Reason I Jump - Table of Contents: Q&A

1. How are you writing these sentences?
2. Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly?
3. Why do you ask the same questions over and over?
4. Why do you echo questions back at the asker?
5. Why do you do things you shouldn′t even when you′ve been told million times not to?
6. Do you find childish language easier to understand?
7. Why do you speak in that particular way?
8. Why do you take ages to answer questions?
9. Should we listen to every single word you say?
10. Why can′t you have a proper conversation?
11. Why don′t you make eye contact when you′re talking?
12. You seem to dislike holding hands with people
13. Do you prefer to be on your own?
14. Why do you ignore us when we′re talking to you?
15. why are your facial expressions so limited?
16. Is it true that you hate being touched?
17. Why do you wave goodbye with your palm facing yourself?
18. When you′re on one of your highs, what going through your mind?
19. What are your flashback memories like?
20. Why do you make a huge fuss over tiny mistakes?
21. Why don′t you do what you′re told to straight away?
22. Do you hate it when we make you do things?
23. What is the worst thing about having autism?
24. Would you like to be "normal"?
25. What is the reason you jump?
26. Why do you write letters in the air?
27. Why do people with autism often cup their ears? is it when there′s a lot of noise?
28. Why do you move your arms and legs about in that awkward way?
29. Why do you do things the rest of us don′t? Do your senses work differently in some way?
30. Why are you too sensitive or insensitive to pain?
31. Why are you so picky about what you eat?
32. When you look at something, what do you see first?
33. Is it difficult for you to choose appropriate clothing?
34. Do you have sense of time?
35. Why are your sleep patterns all messed up?
36. Why do you like spinning?
37. Why do you flap your fingers and hands in front of your face?
38. Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks?
39. Why do you like being in the water?
40. Do you like adverts on TV?
41. What kind of TV programs do you enjoy?
42. Why do you memorize train timetables and calendars?
43. Do you dislike reading and unpacking long sentences?
44. What do you think about running races?
45. Why do you enjoy going out for walls so much?
46. Do you enjoy your free time?
47. Would you give us an example of something people with autism really enjoy?
48. Why are you always running off somewhere?
49. Why do you get lost so often?
50. Why do you wander off from home?
51. Why do you repeat certain actions again and again?
52. Why don′t you do what you′re supposed to do, even after being told a million times?
53. Why are you obsessive about certain things?
54. Why do you need cues and prompts?
55. Why can you never stay still?
56. Do you need visual schedules?
57. What causes panic attacks and meltdowns?
58. What are your thoughts on autism itself?

In conclusion, "The Reason I Jump" is an exceptional memoir that invites readers into the world of autism through the eloquent words of Naoki Higashida. It is a powerful testament to the complexity, resilience, and humanity of individuals on the autism spectrum. By challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy, this book serves as a valuable resource for both those affected by autism and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the neurodiverse world we live in.

If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of autism or want to read a heartfelt memoir, I highly recommend "The Reason I Jump." It's a book that will leave a lasting impact and open your eyes to the beauty of neurodiversity.

Note:

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects individuals in unique and varied ways. It is crucial to remember that each person on the autism spectrum is an individual, with their own set of challenges and symptoms.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior. However, it manifests differently from person to person. The spectrum encompasses a wide range of abilities and characteristics, making it essential to recognize and respect the individuality of each person with autism.

Some individuals on the autism spectrum may face challenges with social skills and may find it difficult to interpret and respond to social cues or engage in typical social interactions. Others may experience sensory sensitivities, where certain sounds, textures, or lights can be overwhelming or distracting. Some individuals may exhibit repetitive behaviors or have an intense interest in specific subjects.

Additionally, there can be variations in the degree of support individuals with autism require. While some may excel academically and live independently, others may need more support in their daily lives. It's crucial not to make assumptions or generalize about what individuals with autism can or cannot do based on preconceived notions.

By recognizing and acknowledging the unique challenges and symptoms that each person on the autism spectrum faces, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. It is vital to approach each individual with patience, understanding, and empathy, allowing them to express themselves and thrive in their own way.

Publications:

1. "The Reason I Jump: One Boy's Voice from the Silence of Autism" (2007)
2. "Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man's Voice from the Silence of Autism" (2017)
3. "The Reason I Jump: Documentary 1h 22m (2020)

I want to take a moment to Stepping Stone School and Almarie Mostert for their incredible work in supporting and educating individuals with autism and other neurodiversity. Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring!

Tell me your thoughts about "The Reason I Jump: One Boy′s Voice from the Silence of Autism" (2013) in the comments!