AutCom is dedicated to "Social Justice for All Autistic Citizens/Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches AUTCOM is the only autism advocacyorganization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism"through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Ourorganization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the humanrights and civil rights of all persons with autism, PervasiveDevelopmental Disorder, and related differences of communication andbehavior. In the face of social policies of devaluation, which areexpressed in the practices of segregation, medicalization, and aversiveconditioning, we assert that all individuals are created equal andendowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life,liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.TheCommittee further believes that the principles of social justice canonly be upheld through organizational methods which reflect thoseprinciples. Just as we envision communities based on the cultivationand support rather than the control of their members, the Committeeencourages its individual members and organizational partners towardself-direction and self-empowerment. We welcome the participation ofall family members, people with autism/PDD, caring professionals, andother friends who wish to implement, not debate, the right toself-determination by hearing and heeding the voices of people withautism. We have joined together to provide information, support,networking, advocacy, a strong voice in federal legislation and policy,a newsletter, conferences and trainings, a bookstore, a variety ofunique publications, and an ongoing reappraisal of fundamental researchand treatment issues in the light of what people with autism themselvesfind meaningful and respectful.