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What I learned from “The Reason I Jump.” Book

How I applied The Reason I Jump to teaching Autistic children

Written by the then 13 year old Naoki Higashida an Autistic young man from Japan. The reason I jump is a fascinating insight into his views on how Autism has shaped his perspective of life. The book answers a series of questions put to Noaki which he answers using an alphabet grid devised by his mother.

Noaki Higashida the reason I jump book autism communication grid
Facilitated Communication Example – The reason I jump.

This is not a book review but what I have taken from it to reflect on in my practice. As David Mitchell states in the introduction “Autism is more like retina patterns than measles.”. What one autistic person feels and needs will differ greatly from another. Therefore how we support them should be highly individual. When we design a support plan we talk about this clinically as the functions of the child’s actions. This misses the context and oversimplifying a range of emotions, hopes, desires and memories that drives the young person.

The Reason I jump Lessons learned from Noaki HIgasidas book on autism
The Reason I Jump Book Cover

I did not read this book looking for statements that back up what I have been trained. Or my predetermined ideas based on my experiences. as well as what I implement in practice. I wanted to learn. This is particularly true in terms of what is described as challenging behaviour. Indeed one of the most powerful statements in the introduction is that “Often the gap between the theory and what is unraveling on your kitchen floor is too wide to bridge.”. This is why it is so important we do everything we can to listen to our children – not just with our ears.

Reason I jump Quote - Often the gap between the theory and what is unraveling on your kitchen floor is too wide to bridge
Reason I jump Quote – Often the gap between the theory and what is unraveling on your kitchen floor is too wide to bridge

Repetitive Questions.

Naoki suggests three reasons why autistic people ask the same question over and over.

  1. His memory is not linear with a sequence of events or situations. It is more like a  pool of dots, by repeating a question it helps these dots link and have meaning.
  2. He enjoys playing with the sound and rhythm of certain words and phrases.
  3. It is a way to initiate interaction using comfortable familiar words.

Interaction

My favourite line in the book is the “virtuous spiral”. This is not really explained in depth but I pictured the image below as I was reading it. How we can get things rolling through positive interactions, listening, supporting and showing we care. Naoki talks about being “told off” a lot. He challenges us to imagine what effect this would have if you where doing something and got “told off” but couldn’t explain yourself. How often these inappropriate actions where just him being excited or carrying out an action to feel calm.

The Spiral of Virtue - The Reason I jump
The Spiral of Virtue – The Reason I jump using positive interactions to improve wellbeing and behaviour.

Drowning in a sea of words

We know there is a link between Autism and communication. In the book, Noaki describes that he sometimes feels overwhelmed by a “Tsunami” of words he knows what they are but cant find the one he wants. Naoki mentions three key ideas.

  1. A few words are available immediately because he uses them a lot others need time to retrieve.
  2. The words that are easiest to use are those that made a significant impression at some point.
  3. Don’t assume the word that is said is the word that a child means. Sometimes words (and phrases) just pop into his head.

Being alone.

No he doesn’t want to be alone, he is not happier playing by himself in the corner.

  1. He values company very much.
  2. He is aware that interactions cause people stress, this has a huge impact on him.
  3. Communication is fraught with problems.

Running off/Absconding Behaviour

A number of times the subject of running comes up this serves a few different purposes. He points out that everyone when they are in a strange new place is relieved when they run into a familiar face.

  1. It represents the search for somewhere to feel at ease. – Running to Safety
  2. He needs to feel safe and secure when things like noises strike.
  3. It is a joyful feeling

Control of actions.

Throughout the book Noaki talks about the feeling of not being fully in control of his body. That he may run somewhere then have no idea how he got there or why. Like he was teleported and cannot control his impulses. This backs up our training that sanctions are ineffective but explains why.

  1. Learning to do something should not about being told off, patience is essential.
  2. Sometimes he just gets carried away and did not ignore the rules they just don’t link to the action.
  3. He may not be able to bring up the memory from the last time he did something.

Why Change is a Challenge for Autistic People

It is not that change is something that isn’t wanted or liked but that the lack of change is comforting. I will end this article with this quote (you will have to read the book to find out why he likes to jump).

Noaki Higashida Unchanging things are comforting and there's something beautiful in that.png
Unchanging things are comforting and there’s something beautiful in that. The Reason I jump Quote (Naoki Higashida)

I would love to know what you learned from reading The Reason I jump by Naoki Higashida. Please add your comment below.

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One Comment

  1. Thanks for posting this awesome article.
    I’m a crazy follower of Game of Thrones.
    I’ve been watching it since it started. It feels amazing watching it,
    isn’t it ? You just can’t expect what’s gonna happen next.
    You can’t tell for sure about your favourite character being alive for
    the next episode. And talk about the graphic violence! Man it’s just incredible.

    My favourite character is Jaime Lannister.

    I really liked your blog and will definitely share this on my Twitter.

    Thank you for a great article!

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