Naoki Higashida is known as the author of another first person-account of his experiences as a person with autism, Why I Jump. Mr. Higashida wrote this book with his letter board and computer. He has a limited amount of words he uses verbally.
His insights into autism are useful for many people who struggle with expressing themselves or with processing their feelings. In the very first chapter he said that if he could, he would like to thank his mother for all she does for him. Also his description of realizing that it is raining and what to do is useful for many people on the spectrum. Of course, not everyone.
The author points out that we all place so much emphasis on words and yet they don’t ever really get at meaning, words aren’t everything.
The book is in many ways a revelation about how he is thinking and will resonate with many people on the spectrum. And for those who are married to, related to, or care about someone with autism, may be able to help them think about how to better understand someone.
Mr. Higashida is a complex human with idiosyncrasies and challenges, just as we all are. It can be powerful to see yourself reflected in someone else’s experience.
