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Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder

15 July 2026

Early diagnosis and intense therapy of Autism Spectrum Disorder in early childhood are critical for improving the quality of life and promoting social, communicative and behavioral skills. Personalized therapy adapted to the level of function and needs of every individual.

The main therapeutic models currently available are:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
  • The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based model  (DIR, also known as the Greenspan Method or Floor Time)
  • Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH).
  • The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).

Additionally, there are a number of promoting professions that provide extra help. These include occupational therapy, speech pathology, family therapy, physical therapy, art therapy, therapeutic riding, and more.

A therapeutic health care basket is available in Israel for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 3 and 7. The Ministry of Health is responsible for covering this. As part of the service, a personalized therapeutic plan will be created for each child that is adapted to the individual needs and includes individual and group therapy as well as parental guidance and, if necessary, also physical therapy.

Therapeutic health care is provided as part of the special education of children with ASD, including rehabilitative day care centers (Hebrew), special education preschools (communication preschools) and non-preschool frameworks. The therapeutic staff in these educational frameworks is composed of professionals approved by the Ministry of Health and who have the requisite training.

ASD therapy is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence, with occasional periods of progress coupled with occasional periods of regression. It is, however, important to remember that every progress, however small, is significant. Research in the field is constantly advancing, with new therapeutic methods being developed. At the same time, awareness is growing in Israel of the need to make services accessible and integrate people with ASD in all spheres of life. There is a discernible trend to develop more community support programs and expand employment as well as housing options.

Studies reveal the critical importance of early diagnosis and intense therapy of autism spectrum disorder in early childhood in significantly improving the quality of life and promoting social, communicative, and behavioral skills. Since autism is a neurological condition that manifests itself in a wide range of severity, therapy must be adapted to the level of function and personal needs of each and every individual with the help of professional intervention. Take, for example, people who are highly functioning and may primarily require social and emotional support, while others require more intense assistance in various areas of life.

The article below discusses the various methods currently available in Israel for the treatment of autism, the various therapeutic providers, and the eligibility provided under the law for these therapies. Most importantly, proper treatment of autism allows people with ASD to maximize their potential, help integrate into society, and allow them to live as independently as possible.

Therapy models

A large variety of therapies is available that can help people with ASD improve their quality of life: The following are several of the main therapeutic approaches and tools that are currently available:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

    This method focuses on improving desired behaviors, reducing undesired behaviors and learning new skills in children with ASD. The therapy is personalized and based on positive reinforcements.

  • Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based Therapy (DIR)

    Also known as the Greenspan Method or Floortime. A method for developmental advancement through interaction created during play. The goal is to help patients develop an emotional bond with the person across from them through creative play.

  • Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

    According to this approach, people with ASD have different patterns of behavior and ways of thinking that are characteristic of them. In order to treat them, a personalized plan that is suitable for the special needs must be created for each patient, in all areas of function.

  • The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

    A therapeutic method designed for toddlers between the ages of one and four (sometimes even later) that emphasizes creating a meaningful relationship between the therapist and the child through play. Through play, children are encouraged to participate in social interactions and improve their ability to communicate with the environment.

Additional treatments

Psychiatric and medication treatment: In some cases, ongoing support and follow-up from a psychiatrist may be needed, along with medication to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety, attention difficulties, or sleep problems.

Supportive therapeutic professions

  • Occupational therapy: Treatment aimed at improving physical abilities, coordination, and self-expression through body language, as well as strengthening self-confidence.
  • Speech-language therapy: When communication difficulties exist, speech-language therapy can help improve communication skills, develop language abilities, and support self-expression.
  • Family therapy: Families with a child on the autism spectrum often face unique challenges and difficulties. Parent guidance and family therapy provided by trained professionals (usually in psychology and social work) can help improve family quality of life and communication.
  • Physical therapy: Autism may be accompanied by differences in movement and motor skills. Physical therapy can help improve motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength while being adapted to each child’s unique needs.
  • Additional supportive treatments: Other professions may also support children with autism, including creative arts therapy (also called expressive arts therapy), which may include music, drama, and movement; therapeutic horseback riding; aquatic therapy; and more.

Additional benefits and services supporting the treatment process

  • Rehabilitation basket: Adults on the autism spectrum may receive rehabilitation services, including personal support, vocational training, leisure activities, and more.
  • Special education: Many children on the autism spectrum are enrolled in special education settings, communication classes in mainstream schools, or regular classrooms with support from educational support staff, based on their eligibility and identified needs. These services are provided through the education system. Additional information is available on the Ministry of Education Parents Portal.
  • Supported employment: Adults can access programs that help them find suitable employment and provide support throughout the process of entering the workforce.
  • Out-of-home residential services: There are adapted residential settings for adults on the autism spectrum that provide support with daily living and encourage independence.

The diagnostic process and referral for treatment

An autism evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary medical team, including psychology professionals and specialists from additional fields such as psychiatry, neurology, and developmental medicine. After the evaluation, the team can recommend a personalized treatment plan. In Israel, children diagnosed on the autism spectrum are eligible for publicly funded treatments through the National Health Insurance Law. Adults can contact the National Insurance Institute to receive rehabilitation basket services.

Individual therapy

The National Health Insurance Law (Hebrew) determined that every child between the ages of 3 and 7 who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is eligible to receive a therapeutic health care basket funded by the Ministry of Health. As part of the service, a personalized therapeutic plan will be created for each child that is adapted to the individual needs and includes individual and group therapy as well as parental guidance and, if necessary, also physical therapy.

Therapeutic health care is provided as part of the special education of children with ASD.

Rehabilitative daycare centers

Belong to the Ministry of Welfare and designed for children between the ages of 0-3. Therapy in these programs is administered through NPOs (Hebrew).

Special education preschools (communication preschools)

Belong to the Ministry of Education and designated for children aged 3-7 with ASD (known as “communication preschools”).

Supplemental therapy programs

Provide therapy for children with ASD who are integrated in regular preschools and daycare centers. These therapies supplement the educational-therapeutic system provided by the Ministry of Education as a comprehensive system for pupils and their families.

The care staff

Within these educational frameworks, the therapeutic staff is composed of professionals approved by the Ministry of Health who are trained in several mandatory disciplines as well as several supplementary disciplines (if necessary):

Mandatory healthcare professions

  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech pathology
  • Emotional therapy
  • Physical therapy based on a medical need

Other professions

  • Art therapy
  • Behavioral therapy, DIR and more

Challenges, coping and expectations of the future

ASD therapy is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence. There are sometimes periods of progress and sometimes periods of regression, but it is important to remember that every progress, even if it is small, is significant. In order to succeed, it is important to maintain family and community support.

Research on autism is constantly advancing, with new therapeutic methods being developed. Awareness is growing in Israel of the need to make services accessible and integrate people with ASD in all spheres of life. There is a discernible trend to develop more community support programs and expand employment as well as housing options.

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.