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Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

15 June 2025

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Israel, and particularly children. As of 2023, approximately 37,000 children and adolescents have been diagnosed with ASD. It is important to emphasize that this increase is attributed to improved detection and diagnosis as well as increased awareness, not to an increase in the incidence of autism itself.

Early diagnosis is critical to improvement in the child’s development and function and allows them to receive government benefits and assistance. If your child has a developmental delay or disorder that is suspected of being associated with autism spectrum disorder, you should seek a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Warning signs that you should pay attention to

  • Difficulty maintaining eye contact.
  • Lack of interest in social interaction.
  • Delay in language development.
  • Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.

A multidisciplinary team currently conducts the diagnostic process in the HMO's Child Development Institutes. The diagnosis includes medical, neurological, developmental, and sensitivity examinations through the use of standard diagnostic tools.

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Israel, the majority of whom are diagnosed during childhood. ALUT data (The Israeli Society for Autistic Children) reveals an annual average increase of approximately 23% in the number of people diagnosed, and as of 2023, approximately 37,000 children and adolescents have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

It is important to note that this increase in the percentage of people being diagnosed is not attributed to a higher percentage of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder but rather to an improvement in detection and diagnosis by Israel’s healthcare system as well as increased awareness of the importance of diagnosis. Also to be considered is that this trend will continue to increase in the future, and various public systems must assume greater responsibility in making the necessary preparations.

If your child is experiencing difficulties in communication and social interaction, and you or someone from the immediate family or the educational staff (in preschool or school) suspect that these difficulties are related to the Autism Spectrum Disorder, the recommendation is to obtain a systematized diagnosis from a professional team.

The importance of early detection

The earlier the diagnosis and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the greater the chances of significant improvement in their development and function. Diagnosis and recognition allow the family to receive government benefits and assistance such as special education, services in the community, tax credits, etc.

For more information about benefits and services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

The path to diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in children generally begins when the parents, family members, or professionals in the child’s environment notice a developmental disorder or delay as well as other signs.

These are red flags that should be noticed during infancy and childhood:

  • Inability to maintain prolonged eye contact
  • Lack of interest in social interaction
  • Delay in language development
  • Difficulty establishing social relationships
  • Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli
  • Repetitive behavior
  • Excessive interest in limited topics

Getting a referral for a medical checkup

There are several stages required to obtain a referral to a diagnostic institute:

  1. Parents must approach the pediatrician for an initial diagnosis and to obtain a referral for a diagnosis at the child development institute.
  2. Parents and the educational staff must complete the diagnosis application forms.
  3. The forms must be sent to the child development institute.
  4. Later, the parents will be sent an invitation to a diagnosis meeting for the child.

The diagnostic process

ASD in children is largely diagnosed at an early age and involves the participation of a multidisciplinary team. Currently, the process is performed according to the DSM-5 criteria (the American psychiatric diagnostic manual) and includes a physical, neurological, developmental, and sensitivity examination. The aim is to confirm the level of function in several areas: medical, communication, social, and cognitive.

Before the diagnosis begins, a discussion will be convened with the parents to gather initial information, after which the child’s function will be examined in 2 levels simultaneously:

Observations and questionnaires to be conducted by a professional from one of the following fields: clinical pediatric psychology, developmental psychology, rehabilitative or educational psychology (with training in diagnosing ASD). This stage will largely use 2 key complementary diagnostic tools.

  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition): a standard diagnostic tool that is based on direct observations designed to review several areas: communication, social interaction, play and use of imagination. The test takes approximately one hour, during which various age-appropriate activities are performed, after which a joint summary discussion is convened.
  • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised): an interview with the parents or main caregivers of the child regarding the developmental history the patient. The questions pertain to various areas such as communication, social interaction, behaviors as well as limited and repetitive areas of interest.

will involve a medical examination that may rule out other medical disorders. This stage will be performed by a professional from one of the following fields: pediatric and adolescent psychiatrist, pediatric neurology and child development, or a pediatrician specializing in child development.

When necessary, professionals from other health sectors, such as occupational therapy and speech pathology, may participate.

Diagnostic centers

The National Health Insurance Law includes the diagnosis of children in the health services basket and is the responsibility of the HMOs. The diagnosis is performed at child development institutes of the HMOs (Hebrew), which are considered Ministry of Health-recognized institutes. A diagnosis by a recognized institute is prerequisite for obtaining services and benefits in education, health, welfare and National Insurance. In addition, the diagnosis must comply with Ministry of Health criteria for diagnosing children.

Therapy following diagnosis

Once the child has been diagnosed with ASD, the important stage of intervention and therapy begins. The professional staff formulates an individual therapeutic plan based on the unique needs of the child. The therapy is multidisciplinary and focuses on improving social, communication, behavioral and emotional function.

The therapeutic methods may include behavioral therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, as well as emotional therapy. It is important to begin therapy as soon as possible to maximize the benefit.

At the same time, parents are given instructions to support their child’s development at home. Regular supervision of the family and child is an inseparable part of the therapeutic process, with regular adjustments of the plan to comply with the changing needs of the child over time.

Additional information in the article on treating Autism Spectrum Disorder

In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that there is no need to fear a diagnosis—this is a tool that helps with the difficulties and facilitates suitable recognition and assistance to anyone who needs help. Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in recent years in knowledge and tools to identify, diagnose and treat Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our recommendation is to not wait. If you have any suspicions, seek a diagnosis as soon as possible (and take into account the lengthy wait for an appointment at the child development institutes) to obtain the necessary assistance and guidance.

Assisted in the preparation of the article: Ido Michaeli-Assor, speech pathologist, Autism Department at the Ministry of Health and director of the "Shavim" Center in Jerusalem.

Other resources

List of child development institutes

The Ministry of Health