The Reason I Jump

Synopsis

The No. 1 Sunday Times and internationally bestselling account of life as a child with autism, now a documentary film Winner of Best Documentary and Best Sound in the British Independent Film Awards 2021.

'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 in English. Widely praised, it was an immediate No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller as well as a New York Times bestseller and has since been published in over thirty languages.

In 2020, a documentary film based on the book received its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Jerry Rothwell, produced by Jeremy Dear, Stevie Lee and Al Morrow, and funded by Vulcan Productions and the British Film Institute, 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 in 2021.

The book includes eleven original illustrations inspired by Naoki's words, by the artistic duo Kai and Sunny.

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Summary

Chapter 1: My Way of Communicating

* Summary: Naoki Higashida, an autistic boy, explains that he has difficulty speaking but can communicate through typing and other alternative methods. He shares his experiences and insights into his unique way of understanding the world.
* Example: Naoki describes how he uses a letter board to spell out words, and how he prefers to write in short sentences because it helps him to focus.

Chapter 2: Sounds, Smells, and Other Sensations

* Summary: Naoki describes his heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights. He explains how these sensations can be overwhelming and sometimes painful.
* Example: Naoki explains how the sound of a vacuum cleaner can be unbearable for him and makes him want to run away.

Chapter 3: The Way I Think

* Summary: Naoki discusses his black-and-white thinking style and his difficulty with abstract concepts. He also shares his thoughts on time, memory, and the importance of routines.
* Example: Naoki explains that he has trouble understanding metaphors and idioms, and that he prefers things to be predictable and structured.

Chapter 4: What I Need from Others

* Summary: Naoki expresses his needs for understanding, acceptance, and support from family, friends, and teachers. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and respecting his boundaries.
* Example: Naoki explains that he appreciates it when people speak to him in a calm and respectful tone of voice.

Chapter 5: My Hopes and Dreams

* Summary: Naoki shares his aspirations and hopes for the future. He wants to be understood, to connect with others, and to make a positive contribution to the world.
* Example: Naoki dreams of becoming a writer and sharing his experiences with others to help them understand autism.

Chapter 6: A Life like Any Other

* Summary: Naoki reflects on his journey towards a fulfilling life. He emphasizes the importance of finding ways to express oneself, connect with others, and pursue one's dreams, regardless of the challenges one may face.
* Example: Naoki talks about how he has found joy and meaning in activities such as writing, playing music, and spending time with loved ones.