The Reason I Jump

The Reason I Jump argues for a fundamental shift in how society views autistic individuals. Rather than measuring them by external behaviors—speech, eye contact, physical stillness, or social fluency—Higashida urges people to recognize the richness of their internal experiences. Autism does not diminish intelligence or emotion; it reshapes perception, communication, and sensory experience. The struggles autistic individuals face often arise from barriers beyond their control—overwhelming sensory environments, difficulty coordinating mind and body, and challenges translating thoughts into spoken language.

Through his writing, Higashida proves that silence does not equal emptiness, and atypical behavior is often a strategy for survival. He asks the world to respond with patience, empathy, and curiosity rather than judgment. Understanding begins with listening and believing that every individual, regardless of communication style, holds a complex inner life deserving respect.

The book ultimately offers hope: with support and access to communication tools, people with autism can share their voices, build connections, and contribute uniquely to the world. Autism is not a deficit to be fixed but a different way of being, with strengths that deserve recognition.

Naoki Higashida was born in Japan in 1992 and diagnosed with autism at an early age. He began communicating through an alphabet grid that allowed him to point to letters and spell out words, later transitioning to digital tools that supported writing. Through this painstaking method, he developed the ability to express complex thoughts and emotions that speech could not convey. He has since written numerous books exploring autism, personal experience, and fiction for young readers. Higashida’s work has been translated internationally, helping shift global perspectives on neurodiversity and offering a crucial voice to individuals who struggle with verbal communication. His contributions continue to inspire advocacy for autism acceptance, education reform, and alternative communication access.