Abstract: Neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases are the most significant chapters of the epidemiological transition of the XX-XXI century, characterized by the progressive reduction of the incidence of the infective diseases and by an equal rapid increment of the prevalence of chronic-degenerative, inflammatory and neoplastic pathologies, with a concerning anticipation of the age of onset [1]. This phenomenon makes a common pathogenetic paradigm and requires the adoption of a systemic perspective, able to rebuild the picture provided by super-specialized research and assistance. 
The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be assumed as an emblematic condition to think about the necessity of a perspective change and about the urgency of effective strategies (1 case out of 59 in the US; 1 out of 77 in Italy, ISS 2019) [2]. 
The recent rapid increase of the prevalence and the complex clinical picture of the people with ASD require understanding the perturbation of the construction of the neuronal network inside a complex paradigm. The epigenetic modifications of the embryo-fetal period provide the most plausible explanation, precondition of the pathogenetic model proposed by the DOHaD Theory (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) [3, 4]. According to this theory, the origin of several pathologies – neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders – could be due to a lacking or imperfect correspondence between epigenetic programming in the uterus and the postnatal reality, often with effects not only on the nervous system. Several environmental factors that reach the fetus through the mother can induce reactive-adaptive and predictive epigenetic changes (fetal programming), in the tissues and cellular differentiation processes, with a long-term impact not only on the individual but on the next generations as well [5]. The neuroplasticity in the First One Thousand Days (embryo-fetal period and first two years of age) makes the vulnerability maximum (thus the opportunities as well) in this temporal window. 
The interpretation of the ASD according to the pathogenetic key of DOHaD is the precondition for the building of GLIA (Gruppo di Lavoro Interdisciplinary per l’Autismo, meaning "the interdisciplinary workgroup for autism") in the SIPO. Among the main objectives, there is the beginning of effective strategies of primary prevention and the individuation of biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Notes:

1 Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia, Varese, Italy

2 ECERI, European Cancer and Environment Research Institute – Bruxelles, Belgium

3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

4 Complex Operative Unit of Pediatrics of the Presidio Ospedaliero Moscati, Aversa, Italy

5 Fondazione Villa Santa Maria, Tavernerio, Como, Italy