Rights of Children with Autism

What is Autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the ability to perceive signals from others and establish proper interpersonal relationships. The impairment results from a malfunction in brain activity, primarily occurring at a young age, and typically persists throughout a person's life.

Autism belongs to a group of developmental disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). These disorders manifest in a broad spectrum, ranging from mild to severe impairments. Autism affects three key areas of development: social functioning, communication, and behavior. It is characterized by significant or atypical developmental challenges in all three areas.

If your child has been diagnosed with one of the following conditions—Classic Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, or PDD-NOS—they are eligible for various treatments under the national health coverage.

Healthcare Rights for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Approximately 1 in 100 children in Israel is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the diagnosis presents many challenges for parents and families, it also opens doors to essential support and medical rights. At Leumit, we understand the importance of professional and emotional guidance for both the child and their family, and we offer a wide range of medical services tailored to the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum.

Diagnosis: The First Step to Accessing Rights

Early diagnosis of autism is crucial, both for providing the best possible treatment and for accessing various benefits through the National Insurance Institute, the Ministry of Welfare, and the healthcare system.

At Leumit, diagnostic evaluations are conducted by specialized child development professionals, including pediatric neurologists, clinical psychologists, and developmental experts.

Parents can contact Leumit's child development centers or consult their pediatrician to obtain a referral. The diagnosis follows Ministry of Health guidelines, enabling access to essential medical treatments and additional support services.

Paramedical Treatments at Leumit

Children on the autism spectrum often require specialized therapies to support their developmental, social, and emotional challenges. Leumit provides professional paramedical treatments, tailored to each child’s individual needs, including:

Speech therapy – Enhancing communication and language skills
Occupational therapy – Strengthening daily life skills and promoting independence
Physiotherapy – Supporting motor and physical development
Emotional support – Psychological counseling and social work for both the child and family

The goal is to offer every child a personalized treatment plan and create a supportive environment that fosters their growth and development.

Access to Treatment Under the National Health Basket

According to the National Health Insurance Basket, children up to the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with autism are entitled to a combination of therapy sessions each week. Diagnosis and treatments are determined based on the child's needs and are provided by professionals through a medical authorization form (Form 17).

Ongoing Support and Guidance

In addition to diagnostic evaluations and therapies, Leumit assists parents in navigating their child’s medical rights, offering co-payment exemptions in certain cases, reduced fees for medical services, professional guidance, and referrals to additional support resources.

How to Get Started?

If you suspect autism or need further treatment for your child, you can contact Leumit's administrative office or child development centers. Our team of experts will guide you through every step—from diagnosis to creating a personalized treatment plan.

Click here for more information on the autism spectrum

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Initial Assessment in Child Development

Perhaps the nursery teacher mentioned that your child doesn't cut well, or can't jump like their peers. Maybe you feel that they are not speaking in a way that corresponds to their age, or you've encountered behaviors that raise red flags for you.

Leumit’s Child Development Centers

At Leumit's child development centers, your children will be able to undergo diagnoses and receive treatments that will help them realize their potential and reduce developmental gaps with their peers. For your convenience, here’s a list of Leumit's child development centers, hours of operation, and contact methods.

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From their earliest days, babies use their bodies to learn about the world. Movement and touch are essential for their proper development - physical, emotional, and cognitive.

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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder, and what are the signs in children? How do we begin the diagnosis process for autism, and what are the recommended treatments for children on the spectrum? You can find all the answers here, along with debunking some common myths.

What to Do When a Child Has a Fever

Every parent has experienced this scenario – in the middle of the night, crying coming from the children's room, and a hand placed on the forehead reveals a fever. What should you do? The answer, of course, depends on the situation, the child's age, the degree of fever, and accompanying symptoms.

When Itching Strikes - All About Pinworms

Frequent awakenings in the middle of the night, unexplained crying, tossing and turning. Complaints of "it hurts," "it itches," "I feel uncomfortable." Often, when there seems to be no apparent reason for sudden awakenings, the culprits are tiny worms causing unbearable itching in the anal area.

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From crying and discomfort at night to ear pain and impaired hearing, otitis media presents in various and diverse forms. How do we identify one of the common childhood diseases? How do we treat it?

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Anemia in Children

"He looks pale," Grandma says worriedly. "Why won't he eat?" she asks with concern. "He's such a sleepy child, how can it be?" she adds. If some of her concerns are indeed accurate, your child may be among the 6-10 percent of Israeli children suffering from anemia.

Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, is one of the infectious diseases prevalent in children, characterized by weakness, and fever, followed by the appearance of irritating and itchy rash. What is the disease and how is it treated?

Childhood Illnesses

We've compiled a list of common childhood illnesses, treatments and prevention

Starting 1st grade

Entering first grade is one of the most important and exciting transitions in our children's lives. We are with you, with a satchel on our back and butterflies in our hearts.

Attention Deficit Disorders

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder, with symptoms often evident from a young age.

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