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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Reason I Jump summary
Naoki Higashida
Brief summary
The Reason I Jump is a powerful book written by Naoki Higashida, a young boy with autism. Through his heartfelt and illuminating perspective, he invites readers into the world of autism, helping us understand and appreciate the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with the condition.
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Table of Contents
The Reason I Jump
Summary of key ideas
Unveiling an Unseen World
In The Reason I Jump, Naoki Higashida, a 13-year-old Japanese boy diagnosed with autism, gives us an incredibly rare insight into the world of a person living with this condition. We learn from Higashida's perspective why he and many others with autism engage in certain behaviors that may seem strange to those unfamiliar with the condition. Through a Q&A format, he explains why those with autism might jump, repeat words, and struggle with change.
The book transports us into Higashida's world, unraveling some of the mysteries behind the condition. For instance, it's easier for him to respond to questions when the answers are there to choose from, hence the Q&A format of the book. When asked why he jumps, he draws a beautiful analogy of feeling like a dolphin jumping out of the water, feeling a sense of freedom and experiencing a soothing moment of serenity.
Understanding Communication Differences
Higashida explores the difficulties he encounters in using language to communicate, expressing that it feels like he's lost at sea. He explains that while he can comprehend what people say and know the responses, producing the correct response requires navigating through a vast and disorganized repository of words. It is in these times that he resorts to words or phrases that he reaches for frequently which frustrate his listeners.
The book engages with the common belief that memory forms a big portion of the challenges for people with autism. Higashida, however, enlightens us with his intact and functional memory, which he compares to a pool of dots he needs to connect. The struggle lies not in the absence of memory, but rather in the labor-intensive process of connecting these "dots" to form coherent thoughts and responses.
Experiencing the External World
The Reason I Jump delves deep into how Higashida experiences the world around him. He explains how sensory inputs such as the wind brushing against his skin, the scent of flowers, or the rustling of leaves can all be overwhelming, vivid, and vibrant experiences. This amplification of senses sometimes leads to what appears as abnormal reactions to everyday scenarios.
When it comes to the discomfort and distress caused by change, Higashida elucidates that people with autism tend to find peace and comfort in routines. They experience time differently — in the absence of rigid routines and familiar activities, time can feel chaotic and disordered, adding to the distress.
The Depth of Emotions
In the closing parts of The Reason I Jump, Higashida addresses the misconception that people with autism are devoid of empathy. He assures readers that he, like many others with the condition, feels an intense range of emotions, perhaps even deeper than those without autism. He comprehends feelings of sadness, joy, anger, and love, just like anyone else. His struggle lies in the ability to express these emotions verbally, giving an impression of indifference or insensitivity.
In conclusion, The Reason I Jump is a journey inside the mind of a young boy with autism, breaking many misconceptions associated with the condition. As he muses, each person with autism is unique and fights a unique battle. Despite the limitations of his language and body, Higashida and others with autism lead rich, emotional lives, striving for understanding and connection with those around them.
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What is The Reason I Jump about?
This book is a memoir written by a 13-year-old boy with autism, Naoki Higashida. Through a series of questions and answers, he provides a unique insight into the mind and experiences of individuals with autism. Higashida offers a heartfelt explanation for his behaviors and challenges, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between those with autism and the neurotypical world. It is a powerful and enlightening read that challenges preconceived notions about autism.
The Reason I Jump Review
The Reason I Jump (2013) is an extraordinary book that offers a unique perspective on autism. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The book provides insightful observations and explanations from Naoki Higashida, a young boy with autism, giving readers a deep understanding of the condition.
- Through a series of thought-provoking questions and answers, the book sheds light on the inner thoughts and emotions of individuals with autism, fostering empathy and understanding.
- With its honest and authentic portrayal of life with autism, the book challenges preconceived notions, offering a fresh perspective and promoting inclusivity.
Who should read The Reason I Jump?
- Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autism and the experiences of individuals on the spectrum
- Parents, caregivers, and family members of individuals with autism
- Teachers, therapists, and professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum
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The Reason I Jump FAQs
What is the main message of The Reason I Jump?
The main message of The Reason I Jump is a unique insight into the world of autism, as told by a nonverbal autistic person.
How long does it take to read The Reason I Jump?
The reading time for The Reason I Jump varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Reason I Jump a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Reason I Jump is a fascinating and eye-opening book that offers a valuable perspective. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Reason I Jump?
The author of The Reason I Jump is Naoki Higashida.
What to read after The Reason I Jump?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Reason I Jump, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh