Michael seated (with Miles Allison, Caroline Stevens and Jane Asher)

We are very sad to report that Michael Baron died this week.  He was 96. 

Michael’s tireless work, alongside that of Helen Allison, Lorna Wing, Sybil Elgar and other parents of autistic children in the 1960s and 70s, changed the lives of autistic people in this country forever.  Their legacy and the impact of their work continues carries on through the National Autistic Society.

The National Autistic Society supports children and young people in schools and our residential and day services support adults to live rich and fulfilling lives.  We campaign to champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation reflects their needs, including in healthcare, education, social care, employment, mental health and diagnosis.

Michael contributed to our oral history project launched earlier this year. Listen to the interview here. Michael was also interviewed for World Autism Acceptance Week a few years ago. When asked about his proudest achievement, he said “Putting autism on the map, increasing public awareness, helping people”.  You can watch the video here Autistic filmmaker, Robert, looks forward to World Autism Awareness Week with Michael Baron. 

Today, our charity is incredibly proud to continue Michael’s work. 

Michael’s family has asked us to share this documentary film made by his daughter Saskia in 2002.  The Autism Puzzle features Michael and his son Timothy and includes material from the early days of the National Autistic Society.

Our thoughts are with Michael’s son Timothy, who was one of the first pupils at Sybil Elgar School when it opened 60 years ago, his daughter Saskia and his much-loved grandson Jacob Baron.