The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

Higashida examines the question of why people with autism “seem to dislike holding hands with people” (45). He says that the reason is not that he dislikes holding hands, it is just that he gets easily distracted by things in his environment he finds interesting, which he then must chase after. Higashida acknowledges that he must try and control this urge.

Higashida answers the question “Do you prefer to be on your own?” (47). Higashida emphatically denies that he prefers being on his own, saying that he loves being with people. Unfortunately, though, he is anxious around others and is worried about “getting on your nerves” (47). Thus, he ends up isolating himself from others and others from him. When he overhears the idea that he “prefers” being on his own, it makes him feel even more lonely.

Higashida answers the question “Why do you ignore us when we’re talking to you?” (51). As with the case of hand holding, Higashida asserts that there is no volitional aspect when people with autism seem to ignore those talking to them. Rather, it is that the person with autism struggles to notice when someone is trying to engage them, even if they are close by.