Episode 3
Naoki Higashida reveals a unique insight into his world as a teenager with severe autism. Read by Matthew Beard.
Naoki Higashida was 13 before he understood the fact of his disability.
His first book, written at that time, revealed a young boy with an astonishing internal life, full of wonder at the world, as well as sadness at the challenges of his condition.
Now, he looks back on his childhood with the eyes of a thoughtful young man. He describes how he couldn't, as a child, visualise a future for himself. Time's passage felt unending, like a swing he couldn't get off, while the scenery remained unchanging.
Now, he has begun not only to inhabit, but also to imagine greater possibilities for his future in the neurotypical world.
Written by Naoki Higashida.
Translated by David Mitchell and KA Yoshida
Read by Matthew Beard, and introduced by David Mitchell.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Producer: Allegra McIlroy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2017.
Last on
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Matthew Beard |
| Author | Naoki Higashida |
| Translation | David Mitchell |
| Translation | KA Yoshida |
| Abridger | Robin Brooks |
| Producer | Allegra McIlroy |
Broadcasts
Wed 19 Jul 201709:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Thu 20 Jul 201700:30BBC Radio 4
- Wed 1 Jun 202214:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 2 Jun 202202:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
The Path to Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight
David Mitchell describes how a young Japanese boy helped him understand his son's autism.
