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Mike’s just a regular dad from Schaumburg, Illinois. But what he’s done for his son—and for other kids with disabilities—is anything but ordinary. His son, Bryan, has autism. He’s 26 now. Mike’s been by his side since day one. He stays home full-time to care for him.

The two are super close. In fact, Mike calls them “buddy-buddies.” They have their own routines, like watching old kids’ shows because that’s Bryan’s favorite.

 Governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, thanks Mike

While Mike’s not doing all this for praise, people have noticed. Even the governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, thanked him for his work to help families with kids with developmental disabilities. To Mike, it’s simple: he’s just doing what a dad does when he loves his kid.

Mike explains the hurdles he faces as a parent. For example, taking his son to the dentist isn’t just a regular appointment. It usually means anesthesia, just to keep Bryan safe and calm during the procedure. One day, the dentist said Bryan needed some fillings—routine stuff—but the cost was just insane. “They told me $6,000 to $8,000,” Mike says—not for dental work—just the sedation.

Illinois House Bill 235

That’s when Mike stopped accepting the system as-is. He didn’t just push back the dentist charges—what he did was to push for Illinois House Bill 235. This bill requires insurance companies to cover dental anesthesia for people with developmental disabilities.

“I went down to Springfield,” Mike said. Testified before all the committees. reached out to every single representative and senator.” For Mike, it wasn’t just about Bryan. It was about every family facing these barriers—families without the time or voice to be heard.

Baker’s work at the Illinois State Capitol paid off

His idea became law in 2015. After that first success, Mike became an advocate. He started thinking up more ways to protect and support people with autism. Then he picked up the phone, calling lawmakers, sharing ideas, and pushing for more change. One of the people who listened was State Rep. Michelle Mussman from Schaumburg.

She helped turn one of Mike’s next ideas into action: creating better support for direct support professionals—the trained caregivers who work with people like Bryan.

The shortage of trained caregivers meant Bryan couldn’t fully join in his day program. So Mike kept pushing. His efforts didn’t stop at one law—he’s now helped pass eight autism-related laws in Illinois. “He’s a heartfelt advocate,” said Rep. Mussman. “He brings his lived experience, his passion, and his love for his son into everything he does.” Mike’s still at it, often writing emails late into the night. “I push hard,” he said. “Sometimes people don’t like it, but as a parent, I feel I have to.” The work is getting tougher. Mike now lives with Parkinson’s disease. His hands shake. Speaking isn’t always easy. But his drive hasn’t faded.

“I’ll be advocating until I can’t,” he said.

Support and understanding

At Illinois Autism, we deeply thank Mike Baker for his tireless work and heartfelt dedication, especially for using his own experiences as a father to spark real change that benefits so many families across our state. His advocacy shows how one person’s love and determination can break down barriers and create a more caring, supportive community for people with autism.

If you or a loved one has recently received an autism diagnosis, know that you’re not alone. Support and understanding are here whenever you’re ready to reach out.