Baker, who was diagnosed with autisum when he was 18 months old, thinks the disease proglonged his adjustment period when it came to school. The recent Bradwell Institute graduate also suffers from epilepsy and both health issues can make it hard for Baker to feel at ease around his peers.“It was definitely not an easy process,” he said. So it may have come as a surprise to a few teachers and peers to see Baker, Bradwell’s 2009 valedictorian, confidently and passionately addressing his graduating class from a podium during May’s graduation ceremony.