In "The Reason I Jump," thirteen-year-old Naoki Higashida offers us a rare and profound insight into the mind of someone living with autism, using an alphabet grid to transcend the barriers that his condition places on verbal communication. With the precision of a poet and the innocence of a child, Higashida guides us through the labyrinth of his thoughts and feelings, addressing the questions that those on the outside looking in are often too hesitant to ask. From the peculiarities of loud speech and the alignment of objects to the avoidance of eye contact, he provides answers that are as enlightening as they are moving, culminating in the poignant explanation of why he jumps: a physical manifestation of an emotion that soars. This book is not just a memoir; it's a bridge between worlds. Higashida, with disarming honesty and a spirit that cannot be confined, shares his perspective on life's simplest joys and its most intricate puzzles. Through his words, readers gain access to the curious, subtle, and complex inner life of an autistic individual, challenging preconceived notions and inviting us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to communicate and to feel. "The Reason I Jump" is a testament to the power of the human spirit to connect, and a reminder that sometimes the most profound insights come from the most unexpected places.