REASON I JUMP: ONE BOY'S VOICE FROM THE SILENCE OF AUTISM by Naoki Higashida

There are many books about autism, but the reason this one is described as a ‘godsend’ is because it was written by Naoki Higashida when he was only thirteen in a question-and-answer format that describes clearly why he does what he does and what is going on in his head. Naoki explains things such as why he talks loudly or repeats the same questions, what causes him to have panic attacks, why he behaves ‘strangely’, and why he likes to jump. He also shows the way he thinks and feels about his world - other people, nature, time and beauty, and himself. Abundantly proving that people with autism do possess imagination, humour and empathy, he also makes clear how badly they need our respect, compassion, patience and understanding.

192pp, 130mm x 197mm, softback, 2014