Jerry Newport

Autism Light #4 is Jerry Newport.

Jerry Newport lives in Arizona. Jerry Newport is married to Mary Meinel. Jerry Newport received his B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. Jerry Newport is an Autism Light for his work as an author, speaker, and advocate for autism.  He has the form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome.

Jerry Newport is the author of three books including, Mozart and the Whale, which is the story of how he met his wife Mary and also the subject of the 2005 movie, "Mozart and the Whale".  His other books are Your Life is Not a Label and Autism-Asperger's & Sexuality.

One of the humorous statements Jerry Newport has said is, "I know of nobody who is purely autistic, or purely neurotypical. Even God has some autistic moments, which is why the planets spin."

When interviewed by Rebecca Leung in 2009 he said,

Rather than being obsessed with trying to be in step with the world, I've come to accept the fact that in certain ways I never will be. And I just don't hate myself for it. I think that once I started learning how to love myself as I truly am, it made it easier for other people to love me the same way.

Jerry Newport is featured in a video about Autism and the Decision to Drive. Here is a promo to that video that is produced by Debbaudt Legacy Productions.

For more information on Jerry Newport, read these online articles.

• AutismToday Expert
• CBS News.com 
• Jerry Newport on Wikipedia

Jerry Newport is an Autism Light for his writing and speaking that brings awareness on autism, especially Aspergers. For more information on Jerry Newport's work visit his website at www.jerrynewport.com.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 


Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of the Webmaster at jerrynewport.com.

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Diane Soucy

Autism Light #3 is Diane Soucy

Diane Soucy founded the ADL Center after discovering her son Matthew had autism.  She now serves as the President of the ADL Center. Diane Soucy is leading ADL into new and innovative services to those with autism.  ADL stands for "Activities for Daily Living".

Diane Soucy was interviewed on Comcast Newsmakers for a past Autism Awareness Month and the following video was produced about her.

Pepsi Refresh Project:  They have competed for several Pepsi Refresh Project fundraisers.

• In January, 2011 they competed for a $250,000 grant to operate their program. 
• In June, 2011, the ADL Center competed for a $25,000 grant to provide Swimming Lessons for Kids with Autism and their Siblings who live in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Teaching swimming lessons will enhance the lives of many people. 

The following is a news story about a fundraiser the ADL Center had.

Social Media: Fund out more about the ADL Center at these social media places.

• Facebook
• Twitter

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Diane Soucy.

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John LeSieur

Autism Light #2 is John LeSieur.

John LeSieur created the Zac Browser and is the President of People CD.  The Zach Browser is a web browser designed to help children with autism navigate the internet. The USA Today did a story on John LeSieur which can be found at this Website. This resource was created in order to help limit the frustrations of his grandson Zachary experienced when using the internet.  Zachary has autism. People CD summarizes the unique features of their browser by saying,

"The buttons are limited to essential functions and the browser prevents the child from accessing inappropriate sites. Children suffering from autism are known for being able to adapt easily to PECS (pictograms) so we designed an icon based navigation system like the PECS system."

  Below is the Associated Press story on this special web browser. 

Social Media: You can follow John LeSieur and his work at the following social media areas:

• Twitter - @zacbrowser
• Google+ - John LeSieur

You may find out all about this special browser for computer users with autism on their home page at www.zacbrowser.com.   A free download is available.  John LeSieur is an Autism Light because of the potential this browser has to help many children with autism experience the world of the Internet.  

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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Autism Light Series Starts Today

Today we begin a series on heroes to the Autism community.  Some have autism, others are parents or grandparents.  Some are well-known and others live lives out of the spotlight. They come from all areas of the world and there stories can serve to inspire and help all of us, whether we are part of the autism community or caring members of society.

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The Beginning of Autism Light

Welcome! Autism Light has been created to recognize and appreciate diverse people, corporations, and resources that are making a difference for autism. If you appreciate specific Autism Lights please feel free to leave a comment on their post. 


It is our belief that as we shine the light on autism it will enhance the quality of life for those with autism, and inspire those who interact with them in a professional or personal relationship.  This will bring benefits to all of society as the growing population of individuals with autism emerge into contributors of change, courage, and compassion. 

Here are some quotes that inspire us in this project.

• God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for tears, and light for the way (Unknown). 
• Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all those in the house  (The Holy Bible-English Standard Version, Matthew 5:15).  
• There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it (Edith Wharton).  

In this project I am honored to just be the mirror that researches and finds the Autism Lights. Join us on this journey by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, or if you are on Google+ and want to be in my Autism Circle let me know.

The Autism Light Social Media page lists places where you can connect with us through social media.

God Bless Those With Autism and those who Make Them Their Cause.

Alan Stokes

Email: autismlight@gmail.com.

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