The Reason I Jump

I think it can really open the mind, erase misconceptions, and let people in on some of what people with autism go through. Naoki is honest with his experiences. He even states when he doesn't struggle with a certain autistic traits but tries to explain them anyway. The only thing, at times I couldn't believe a 13 year old boy with autism wrote this. It was too perfect. I couldn't help wonder how much the translators may have shaped the book. Still worth the read, especially for someone who works in the field or knows someone autistic.

This was a quick read for me. I am very familiar with autism having a close family member with the diagnosis. I would simply caution readers that “if you have met 1 person with autism then you have met 1 person with autism”. Too often I meet well meaning individuals who have read a book such as this and then pigeon hole all their knowledge about this vast topic. My family member related with 90% of this book. The other parts his experiences were totally different. It is a great conversation starter and easy read for those interested or working with children on the spectrum. You cannot be a part of the autism community and not be proud and grateful of authors such as this.