Episode 4
Naoki Higashida explores how he experiences the world as a young adult with autism. Read by Matthew Beard.
Naoki Higashida explores how he experiences the world as a young adult with autism.
He describes the challenges he encounters as he attempts to fight the demands of his fixations. He wonders at the joy of hearing the laughter of his family, which he experiences as a bubble-like evanescence. Movingly, he explores how being 'non-verbal' can feel like the dark hours before dawn, and how the loneliness of not being able to hold a conversation with others can be at times overwhelming.
Most compellingly, and simply, he explains how it's easier to like himself when he feels loved by others.
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
Thu 20 Jul 201709:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Fri 21 Jul 201700:30BBC Radio 4
- Thu 2 Jun 202214:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 3 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.
