Trailblazing autism advocate who built UK's first autism school and residential community

London solicitor Michael Baron co-founded the National Autistic Society in 1962 and led campaigns that expanded understanding and services for autism, including creating the UK’s first autism-specific school in 1965 and the first autism residential community in 1974. He helped push the Education (Handicapped Children) Act 1970, earned an MBE in 1980, and dedicated his life to improving opportunities for autistic people and their families. He died aged 96 in 2025.