As individuals and as a group, autistics are denied the four key pillars of minority rights. Our very existence is in danger as long as autism, without regard to severity, continues to be viewed as something to be eradicated. Violence against us takes the form of behaviour modification, institutionalization, and abusive medical and therapeutic practices, such as electric shocks.. Instead, we should be taught self-esteem, self-confidence, and how to advocate for ourselves. Autism is a neurological difference that is both genetic and hereditary. Regardless of where in the world we live, autistics are more like each other than like the people surrounding us. The autistic minority includes those children and adults who remain undiagnosed and those of us who hide their condition for fear of discrimination. Only acceptance, recognition, and respect for autistics will lead to our full and equal participation in all areas of public, economic, and social life. We urge the Independent Expert on Minority Issues and the Human Rights Council to pay much needed attention to the concerns of autistics and to consider dedicating the next session of the Forum on Minority Issues to the rights of persons with disabilities within national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Thank you. Erich Kofmel, President Autistic Minority International Background information In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April World Autism Awareness Day. On that daY in 2013, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote: "This international attention is essential to address stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support structures. Now is the time to work for a more inclusive society, highlight the talents of affected people and ensure opportunities for them to realize their potential." In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 67/82 "Addressing the socioeconomic needs of individuals, families and societies affected by -autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders and associated disabilities". In this resolution, the UN member states recognize "that the full enjoyment by persons with autism spectrum disorders [...] of their human rights and their full participation will result in significant advances in the social and economic development of societies and communities" and stress "the important contribution that non-governmental organizations and other civil society actors can make in promoting human rights for [...} all individuals with autism spectrum disorders [...land their integration in societies". The GA voices its concern "that persons with autism spectrum disorders [...] continue to face barriers in their participation as equal members of society" and calls this "discrimination" and "a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person". Autistic Minority International welcomes contact from and is open to collaboration with UN member states, the UN system, the wider NGO community, autism charities run by non-autistics, researchers particularly in the social sciences and international law, the private sector, and individuals. We look forward to interacting with participants in the forum as well as other minority rights stakeholders in the near future.