Summary of The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

The book is structured around questions that many people quietly wonder about but rarely ask—Why do people with autism speak so loudly or act in unusual ways? Why do they line up their toys or avoid eye contact? Naoki responds to each with honesty and clarity, revealing the logic and emotions behind his actions. For example, when asked why he jumps, he explains that the act feels like his feelings are rising upward to the sky, giving him a sense of freedom that words cannot. Through these answers, he shows that every behavior has a purpose and meaning, even if it isn’t immediately understood.

Beyond the explanations, Naoki’s writing reveals his sensitivity to the world around him. He describes the beauty he finds in simple experiences, the complexity of memory, and the comfort of laughter. His words carry a poetic quality that allows readers to see autism not as a limitation but as a different, deeply human perspective. For parents and loved ones, the book offers a new level of empathy and connection, helping them understand that behind the behaviors lies a thoughtful and perceptive mind.

With an introduction and translation by David Mitchell and KA Yoshida, who were moved to share Naoki’s words after finding comfort in them for their own autistic child, The Reason I Jump has touched countless lives. It is both an educational guide and an emotional journey, showing that even when words are hard to speak, the human spirit can find powerful ways to communicate.