The No. 1 Sunday Times and internationally bestselling account of life as a child with autism, now a documentary film Winner of Best Documentary and Best Sound in the British Independent Film Awards 2021.
Naoki Higašida Book order
Naoki Higashida writes from the perspective of an autistic neurotype, exploring unique ways of perception and thought. His work delves deeply into the inner world of individuals who may communicate differently, offering readers a singular introspection into their experiences. Higashida emphasizes understanding and empathy, bridging the gap between diverse ways of experiencing the world. His writing is a significant contribution to a broader comprehension of human diversity.







- 2021
- 2017
Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man's Voice from the Silence of Autism
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Through short, impactful chapters, the author reflects on his journey as a young man with severe autism, delving into themes of education, identity, and personal growth. He shares insights into everyday experiences often overlooked, such as the cognitive process involved in recognizing rain. This memoir, introduced by David Mitchell, serves as a critique of societal perceptions of disabilities, offering a nuanced self-portrait that aims to foster understanding of autism and the complexities of living with it.
- 2017
Essential reading for parents and teachers who work with individuals with autism who remain non-verbal Temple Grandin
- 2016
The book features a Reader's guide that enhances the reading experience, providing insights and discussion points. Additionally, it includes a postscript and an interview with the author David Mitchell, offering a deeper understanding of his creative process and themes. This supplementary material enriches the reader's engagement with the text.
- 2014
A rare and important insight into the mind of an autistic child, in his own words. Translated by and with a moving introduction from the award-winning author of CLOUD ATLAS, David Mitchell
- 2013
The Reason I Jump. One Boy's Voice from the Silence of Autism. With an introduction by David Mitchell
- 180 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Written by Naoki Higashida at thirteen, this insightful book explores the behavior of autistic children and their thought processes. Translated by David Mitchell and his wife, it aims to aid those dealing with autism and offers a unique perspective on a little-understood condition, gaining notable attention in the UK.
- 2013
The Reason I Jump
- 135 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Written by a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, this memoir demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. His insights, into the mystery of words, the wonders of laughter, and the elusiveness of memory, are so startling, so strange, and so powerful that you will never look at the world the same way again. In his introduction, novelist David Mitchell writes that Naoki's words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child was explaining what was happening in his mind. This translation was a labor of love by David and his wife, KA Yoshida, so they would be able to share that feeling with friends, the wider autism community, and beyond.--From publisher description.

