Reflecting on “The Reason I Jump” Through Our Eyes

I recently had the chance to read “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida. It’s a heart-touching book written by a thirteen-year-old boy living with autism. Reading about Naoki’s experiences was like finding a hidden doorway to my son Saar’s world. It’s been hard to grasp his thoughts and feelings, but Naoki’s book felt like a guiding light.

Naoki’s stories hit home. He talks about why jumping helps him and others with autism feel better or process emotions. It took me back to Saar’s younger days, seeing him find comfort in those repetitive motions, a way to show us what he couldn’t put into words.

The way Naoki breaks down complex emotions into simple, understandable pieces is eye-opening. It helped me see things from Saar’s viewpoint. For example, when Saar felt overwhelmed in a busy place and needed some quiet, it clearly showed how sensory overload affected him, something Naoki knew all too well.

Naoki’s genuine and captivating way of expressing himself reminds me so much of Saar’s rare but insightful moments. Those brief connections are priceless, and “The Reason I Jump” has made me treasure them even more.

I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone wanting to get a glimpse into the world of autism. It’s enlightening and calls for empathy and understanding, celebrating the rich inner world of individuals like Naoki and Saar, who see things differently.

Finishing Naoki’s book, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s given me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the journey Saar and I are on together. There’s beauty and room to grow through every hurdle, something “The Reason I Jump” captures so perfectly.