Naoki Higashida
Naoki Higashida
Full Name and Common Aliases
Naoki Higashida is a Japanese author and non-verbal autistic savant born on July 5, 1992.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: July 5, 1992
Still alive (no notable passing date)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Japanese; Author, Non-verbal Autistic Savant
Early Life and Background
Naoki Higashida was born in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. He grew up with severe autism and nonverbal communication skills. His early life was marked by difficulties in verbal expression, but he showed exceptional talents in writing and drawing.
Growing up, Naoki struggled to communicate effectively, often relying on his mother to assist him. However, through dedication and the support of his family, he began to develop a unique method of communication using an alphabet board. This breakthrough enabled him to express his thoughts and feelings more clearly, leading to the creation of numerous written works.
Major Accomplishments
Naoki's accomplishments are a testament to his determination and creativity in the face of adversity. Despite facing significant challenges in his early life, he has become a renowned author and advocate for autism awareness. His writings have not only shed light on the experiences of autistic individuals but also contributed significantly to the understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Notable Works or Actions
Naoki's most notable work is the book "The Reason I Jump: One Boy's Voice from the Silence," co-authored with David Mitchell. This critically acclaimed book offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an autistic individual, exploring themes such as sensory experiences, social interactions, and personal growth.
Through his writing, Naoki aims to dispel common misconceptions about autism and promote empathy and understanding among readers. His work has been translated into numerous languages, making him a global advocate for autism awareness and acceptance.
Impact and Legacy
Naoki's impact extends far beyond the literary world. He has become an influential voice in the autism community, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their neurodiversity. His writing challenges societal norms and promotes inclusivity, encouraging readers to reevaluate their perceptions of autism and its effects on individuals and families.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Naoki Higashida's remarkable story has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him widespread recognition as a thought leader in the field of autism awareness. His unique perspective, combined with his exceptional writing talent, has made him an invaluable voice for the autistic community and a compelling advocate for acceptance and understanding.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Naoki continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity, determination, and a willingness to communicate can lead to remarkable achievements and a lasting impact on society.
Quotes by Naoki Higashida
Naoki Higashida's insights on:
The thought that our lives are the source of other people’s unhappiness, that’s plain unbearable.
Normal people think we’re highly dependent and can’t live without ongoing support, but in fact there are times when we’re stoic heroes.
Just by looking at nature, I feel as if I’m being swallowed up into it, and in that moment I get the sensation that my body’s now a speck, a speck from long before I was born, a speck that is melting into nature herself.
On our own we simply don’t know how to get things done the same way you do things. But, like everyone else, we want to do the best we possibly can. When we sense you’ve given up on us, it makes us feel miserable. So please keep helping us, through to the end.
But when I’m jumping, it’s as if my feelings are going upward to the sky. Really, my urge to be swallowed up by the sky is enough to make my heart quiver. When I’m jumping, I can feel my body parts really well, too – my bounding legs and my clapping hands – and that makes me feel so, so good.
Please handle and approach our behavioral issues with a strong faith that they are definitely going to pass, at some point in the future. When we are stopped from doing what we want, we may make a terrible song and dance about it, but in time we'll get used to the idea. And until we reach that point, we'd like you to stick with it, and stick with us.
Criticizing people, winding them up, making idiots of them or fooling them doesn't make people with autism laugh. What makes us smile from the inside is seeing something beautiful, or a memory makes us laugh. This generally happens when there's nobody watching us. And at night, on our own, we might burst out laughing underneath the duvet, or roar with later in an empty room ... When we don't need to think about other people or anything else, that's when we wear our aural expressions.