Jerry Newport was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 47 years old. Now a popular international speaker, he is one of the foremost advocates on adult issues that impact people with autism / Asperger's Syndrome. Jerry's fascinating, touching, and often humorous perspective on living on the spectrum makes his books and presentations intriguing and informative. His story was even featured on 60 Minutes. Jerry has a BA in Mathematics from the University of Michigan, and was a financial assistant for the UCLA Department of Medicine. He has been active in the Autism Society of America and is responsible for starting and running Adult Group United and Autistic (AGUA), a support group for adults diagnosed with autism / Asperger's / PDD.

Jerry has, through sheer determination, intelligence, and guts, found practical ways of dealing with problems and disabilities that would seem insurmountable to others. Jerry’s advice is based on real-life experience and what really works in the real world."—Ron Bass, a good friend of Jerry’s, and one of Hollywood’s most successful and prolific screenwriters. Ron won an Oscar for Rain Man and has also written My Best Friend’s Wedding and The Joy Luck Club. His most recent work Mozart and the Whale was inspired by Jerry’s life.