The Reason I Jump: one boy's voice from the silence of autism

As an Autistic adult who works with children, I'm always looking for different books about Autism. I had this recommended to me, so thought I'd give it a try. I have probably read a dozen books, either about Autism or with an Autistic character, & by far this is the worst I've read. Some parts were relatable, but I found some parts uneasy to read.The author consistently comments that "Us people with Autism", & this fails to get across to the reader that Autism is a Spectrum, with different 'challenges' (for want of a better word) across the levels of it. The description on here simply refers to it being written by a child with Autism. It is only when you find a section about the author that you realise the author has severe Autism. While it might be useful for those who either live with or work with someone with this kind of Autism, it isn't especially helpful for many others.The author constantly says things like 'My guess is that lots of Autistic people...", "All people with Autism feel the same about...", "People with Autism always..." - it really isn't helpful to the reader trying to get an insight into people with Autism as it portrays us all the same. There are so many things that he says do this or do that & in actual fact, for many people with Autism, it has the opposite affect on them. This generalisation could come across as having a negative affect, especially if being read by someone on the Spectrum,While I'm aware the book was written a few years ago, the constant use of the word 'normal' when referring to those who don't have Autism made me feel uncomfortable, as what is normal? The number of times it describes Autistic people as being forgetful is rather unusual as so often Autistic people have exceptional memories.There are some stories randomly inserted between some of the chapters, which don't really add to the book - in fact, they don't fit into the book in the slightest. The book ends with a story which I honestly don't understand the inclusion of it. It talks about the afterlife - it's just so randomly put in & doesn't fit in with the themes of the book. To me, the story isn't pleasant in large parts. For me, the author would have been better publishing a book with these stories in it, rather than randomly slot them inside a book about Autism.Overall, I found the book difficult to read & it came across more as a book written by a family member of an Autistic person that by an Autistic person themself. Sadly, I found it a disappointing read.

If I could give this book more stars i really would. I have learnt more about autism an learnt ways to understand my son more than I did on the many courses I went on. Amazing book made me very tearful I cried for days after and changed my whole mindset. I have made so many people read the book an they have learnt so much. I even had to order more copies because so many people wanted to read it. Defiantly buy it u won't regret it.

As a mum to a little boy who is non verbal and has autism this book was just so enlightening for me to understand what could be going through my little boys mind. I’ve cried happy and sad tears reading this book. If you have just had an autism diagnosis for your child this makes you really think of the struggles your child faces and gives you a wonderful insight to what may be going through your child’s head. Just a beautiful thought provoking book.

I work with Autistic students and have read many book about Autism. This was an eye-opener for me. I have promoted the book amongst my colleagues... it is unlike any other book that I have read. I Highly recommend it.

I am so impressed by the common sense and straightforwardness of its young author at the time..only 13 but yet he is able to invite his readers to have a glimpse of the autistic mind, leaving his own ajar for a while to be a bridge between us and the neurotypical world on behalf of so many. I have read a few books written by a few specialists in autism, the one talking the talk and walking the walk but this one is particularly emotional for me and went straight to my soul. I hope this book will dismantle a few preconceived ideas people take for certain and allow the people of good will to see for the time of the reading the colours of our world, its sensitivity, its emotions too raw too often and realise we too are alive in these society, craving to be heard and acknowledged but too often dismissed before being given a chance. I hope this book gives you the same immense and emotional pleasure that I have experienced reading it.

I got more from this book than the hours of trawling the web and reading so called experts to try and understand how people with autism think. Who better than Naoki who has autism and articulately tells it how it is, with humour, heart and soul. This is one of the most inspirational books I've read and has helped immeasurably to relate better to my son and alleviate fears for his future. I highly recommend this book to everyone as we all come into contact with people with autism and there's a lot so called normal folk can learn from them.

I read this book cover to cover from the moment I picked it up. It’s written as a series of questions we often ask our children when their behaviour is unexpected. Instead of the shrug I often get from my son, this had an answer that kind of describes the way a child’s mind can work. Some of the answers were similar to conversations I’ve had with my son, hence the book was so compelling. An easy read.