I really wanted to rate this higher

I didn't hesitate for a second in buying this book as soon as I heard about it. The insight that can be gained by being able to hear the words of a non verbal autistic child, is just amazing.
He gives some really useful explanations to help other people understand his behaviour and feelings, and it is worth listening to for that.

However, there are lots of times when he answers a question that explains what it is like for him, then goes on to say, autistic people like to do this, or autistic people don't like it when you do that, and that I found annoying. He is one, non-verbal autistic child. It is wonderful to hear him speaking for himself, but he cannot talk for autistic people in general. Some of the things he advised, completely contradict my own experience of raising autistic children. My children are verbal, so are able to tell me if something I am doing makes it harder for them. Naoki doesn't like visual timetables or information about places he is going to visit in advance, he says it spoils the surprise. That's fine for him, but please don't tell me that autistic people find them too stressful and enjoy surprises, my autistic children tell me otherwise.

Parents, if you listen to this book, take on board his explanations of his feelings and behaviours, but don't just blindly take all his advice. Get lots of information from lots of places and see what works with your child.

Chapter 10 - the last half an hour of the book was a complete waste to me. It's a story that he wrote about reincarnation. It's supposed to convey the difficulty in communicating when you can't be heard, but I just found it dull and irrelevant. I'm sure it's a lovely story, but I just wanted to get back to the question and answer bit, that I had bought the book for. Unfortunately, it never happened, so I did finish the book feeling flat.

In many ways this is an amazing book, but I was left feeling disappointed.

12 people found this helpful

Eye Opener!!

I chose this book as I have two very close friends who have autistic children. I've never appreciated how challenging this can be for parents with an autistic child more than after listening to this book. This really opened my eyes to what autism really is and how humour crosses with what is and isn't literal. This will make you both laugh and cry. I'd recommend this book for anybody who encounters autism in their lives.

5 people found this helpful

all you realy need to know about autisim

Would you consider the audio edition of The Reason I Jump to be better than the print version?

67 questions you have always wanted to ask your autistic child now you have the answers brought to life in the audio form gave a very dry book feelings

What did you like best about this story?

the honesty nothing fancy just the truth

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

left me witha lump in my throat

3 people found this helpful

What an insight

Would you consider the audio edition of The Reason I Jump to be better than the print version?

I have never read the print version so am unable to comment.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Reason I Jump?

The author has such an amazing insight on why he, and other autistic children, act the way they do, and how it is perceived by others, that I was able to gain an insight to my sons behaviour.

What does David Mitchell and Thomas Judd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The ability to "read" in my car on the 3 hour round trip journey to work

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story written by the author at the end of the book really demonstrates the authors grasp of emotions, which is something autism children are supposed to find difficult.

Any additional comments?

This is a very short book, but filled with one insight after the other. This book will not give you a blueprint of your autistic child, if that is what you are looking for, but will give you some insights on some of their traits.

3 people found this helpful

brilliant

a must read for neurotypicals. particularly those with asd folks in their life. it's a short read and a great explanation... from an asd kid's point of view.

2 people found this helpful

Breathtaking

I am highly functioning person on spectrum and I also had a privilege to work with people on spectrum in the past 4-5 years. This book not only confirms everything I knew about this condition but also puts a nice fresh spin on it at times. It's brilliant writing. I am glad that his voice has found it's way out. Sadly not many people working with people on spectrum are willing to educate themselves about this condition and often make their life harder (not only by using schedule boards of course). I hope we will hear more from this talented author! This book should be part of autism training imo.

1 person found this helpful

BRILLIANT

Would you listen to The Reason I Jump again? Why?

The book is written very well so would definitely listen to it again

What did you like best about this story?

Found the whole book interesting and it made me really think how to care for children like the author

What does David Mitchell and Thomas Judd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I find it easier to remember the story when it's read to me

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I think it would be quite difficult to make a film out of this book you would need to make a film about the author

Any additional comments?

If you have any interest in SEN CHILDREN definitely listen to or read this book

1 person found this helpful

Amazing perspective

Beautiful writen . Brilliant dynamic between QA and short histories from a ASC perspective ; lighthearted , sad , funny and deep . I commonly do no listen to a book more then once but will definitly listen to this one again and gift family members . You cannot apply this book as self help with autism but you can take a lots from it . A insight of an individual with autism showing feelings ; struggles and opinions . Is amazing for us mum's of non verbal children . Wen raising a non verbal child and come to difficult times i always use the approach as is more difficult for them then me ; this book emphasize this wen actually a non verbal child have a voice. The last chapter is quite magical ; as some old religions believe who have autism did not want reincarnate but comeback for love . Reading so many patronising autism books this one is definitly a breathe of fresh air ! Absolutely amazing and mesmerising

Excellent (from someone living with autism)

I loved the Q&A style and felt that I understood and agreed with the Japanese author apart from at one point when it was suggested that carers try to control autistic people when doing a specific thing......I'll leave you to judge for yourself. All in all, a really good audiobook and well worth the cost.

Fantastic insight

A fantastic insight into the life of a youngster with Autism.

Cleverly written and well read.