A researcher from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has defined a new, integrated整合的 interpretation¹解释 of Autism Spectrum² Disorders³自闭症 (ASD), which makes it easier to understand both the commonalities平民，共性 and differences between ASD and other conditions. In an article published in the December 2009 issue of The Neuroscientist titled: "The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Integration⁵ in Autism," Dr. Dorit Ben Shalom recommends a uniform approach to evaluating and confronting the four common problems associated with ASD.

"The main criterion标准，准则 defining Autism Spectrum Disorders is difficulty in emotional-social behavior," explains Dr. Ben Shalom of Ben-Gurion University's Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, in Beer-Sheva, Israel. "Nevertheless, many people with ASD have some difficulties in three other domains⁶ -- memory, perception感觉，知觉 and motor behavior."

In her theoretical model, Dr. Ben Shalom recommends a uniform way to think about these four types of difficulties, which she believes are linked by a common brain structure/brain function connection involving the medial prefrontal cortex前额皮质. This approach makes it easier to understand both commonalities and differences between ASD and other conditions, such as Attention Deficit⁷ Hyperactivity Disorder⁴注意力不集中 (ADHD). This approach will make it possible to test predictions about the location of these brain networks, how they function differently in people with ASD and how to use this knowledge to design interventions⁸ and compensatory strategies.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, ASD is more common in the pediatric小儿科的 population than better known disorders, such as diabetes⁹, spinal¹⁰ bifida脊柱裂 or Down syndrome唐氏症. A recent study of a U.S. metropolitan¹² area estimates that 3.4 of every 1,000 children between 3 and 10 years-old have Autism.