A practical trilingual guide for families in Israel

A step-by-step route for diagnosis, benefits and education in Israel

Build a practical checklist for the pediatrician, assessment, Bituah Leumi, municipal kindergarten, eligibility committee and therapy reform. Some steps apply only when your family needs them.

Build a route by child ageCheck official sources

Why a navigator helps

This is a complex process. It is difficult to complete without guidance.

Multiple authorities, forms and waiting periods have to be coordinated. Guided Days Israel brings the route together in one place and helps you understand the next step. Always confirm eligibility, dates and required documents with the linked official service.

6-24 mo.

Process duration

Average time from the first request to receiving all applicable types of government support

High

Process complexity

A multi-stage bureaucratic path requiring coordination between several authorities and funds

Your route

Six stages, in the order families usually encounter them

This is a reference guide, not a diagnosis or legal consultation. Steps related to diagnosis, disability benefits and special education apply only when relevant to your child.

Child Profile

To download the PDF checklist, you must fill in the child's name and date of birth.

Enables additional tax credit calculations for new Olim on Step 3.

Saves state inside localStorage. Otherwise data is lost when you close this browser tab.

Step 1: Early Detection and Overcoming Pediatrician Refusals

Rofe Yeladim / רופא ילדים; Machon LeHitpatchut HaYeled / מכון להתפתחות הילד

Determine your interaction status with the pediatrician

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Path A. Pediatrician (Rofe yeladim / רופא ילדים) agrees

The doctor supports your concerns and immediately issues an official referral to the Child Development Institute (Machon le-hitpathut ha-yeled / מכון להתפתחות הילד).

warning

Path B. Pediatrician (Rofe yeladim / רופא ילדים) refuses the referral

The doctor suggests a "wait and see" approach or says the child will outgrow the issue. Self-advocacy is required.

Checklist

Access to all steps

Create an account to continue your route and download your PDF checklist

Sign up or log in to unlock step-by-step guides for Bituah Leumi benefits, educational track selection (Vaadat Zakaut), and therapy reform funding, and download a ready checklist for document collection.

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Step 2. Diagnosis: ASD (Autism)

Ivhun / אבחון; standards and authorities

The selected diagnosis changes the official requirements, diagnostic route, checklist, and benefit calculation.

Choose one diagnosis to follow

Selecting another diagnosis replaces the current path and updates the requirements, checklist, and benefit calculator.

shieldASD Diagnostic Standards under Health Ministry Circular 15/13

To obtain allowances, benefits, and special education eligibility, ASD must be confirmed on two independent levels:

  • Medical level: child psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician
  • Psychological level: licensed clinical or developmental psychologist

Required tools in reports: ADOS-2, ADI-R, cognitive tests (e.g., Bayley/Mullen), and adaptive scales (Vineland-II/ABAS-II) if needed.

Select ASD diagnostic path. Differences in cost, waiting times, and recognition:

health_and_safety

1. Public Path

Through HMO (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit) Child Development Centers

payments Cost: 0 NIS (health basket)schedule Waiting time: 6 to 24 monthsverified Automatic recognition by all authorities
clinical_notes

2. Private Path

Private assessment by licensed independent specialists

payments Cost: typically 5,000-10,000 NIS for full packageschedule Waiting time: up to 6 months, sometimes sooner depending on local specialist availabilityverified_user Requires strict compliance with circular 15/13
emergency

3. Emergency Path

Child & adolescent psychiatric emergency room (Mion Psychiatri)

payments Cost: depends on the hospital, route of care, and HMO coverageschedule Timing: immediate (by clinical criteria)gavel Final summary holds full legal power for agencies
Checklist

Step 3: National Insurance (Bituah Leumi) and Social Rights

Bituah Leumi / ביטוח לאומי; Gimlat Yeled Nehe / גמלת ילד נכה

Calculated Benefits & Allowances (2026)
payments
BTL Allowance
0 ₪ / mo
account_balance_wallet
Income Tax (Tax Credit Units)
0 ₪ / mo

No benefits applied

home_work
Arnona (Municipal Discount)
0% discount

Select an approved Bituah Leumi status above to calculate the Arnona discount

Calculated using average rate of 50 ₪/sqm annually

description
Form 7821 - Claim for Disabled Child Allowance

Submit this form to the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi) to initiate financial support. Retroactive payments can cover up to 12 months.

open_in_newApply Online
info

Calculations are for informational purposes only. The final allowance is determined by the Bituah Leumi Medical Committee.

Checklist

Step 4. Municipal Registration (Preschool / School)

Kindergarten / Kita Alef / Transfer committees

child_care

Preschool Education (Ages 3-5)

child_care

Age 3 (Trom-Trom Chova)

Education is free under the Compulsory Education Law (Amendment 9). Attendance is not strictly compulsory.

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Age 4 (Trom Chova)

Education is free and attendance is voluntary, but municipal registration in January-February is required to secure a spot. For children with ASD, this is a critical step to initiate the placement committee (Vaadat Zakaut ve-Ihyun) for a special or communication kindergarten.

school

Age 5 (Gan Chova)

Education is free. Attendance is strictly compulsory. Failure to register can lead to administrative liability.

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Registration Deadlines & Fees
1
December

Municipalities send information brochures with registration access codes.

2
February - March

Official registration window in Agaf Chinuch. Late applications are assigned by remaining capacity without parent preference priority.

3
Service Fees & Extracurriculars

Annual mandatory insurance fee of 300-700 NIS. Afternoon care (Tzaharonim) requires separate registration.

school

School Education (Ages 6-18)

menu_book

1. First Grade Registration (Kita Alef)

Official registration on the municipal education portal (Agaf Chinuch) runs from January 19 to February 8. Initial placement is based on your residential address (verified by Arnona bill). Submit your new lease/contract immediately if you move.

assignment_turned_in

2. Parallel Registration Rule

Even if your child is undergoing a special education eligibility committee (Vaadat Zakaut VeIfyun) for placement in a communication class or special school, you must register them in the standard local neighborhood school. This ensures they have a spot if the committee is delayed or denied.

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3. Procedure for New Immigrants (Olim)

Families who immigrate during the school year apply directly to the Municipal Integration Department (Agaf Klita) and the Education Department. If foreign medical documents confirm ASD, a municipal psychologist can fast-track temporary placement in a special education framework without waiting for a scheduled committee.

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4. Transfers & Appeals (Vaadat Ha-Avarot)

The window for transfer requests is open from February 11 to March 12. The transfer committee (Vaadat Ha-Avarot) reviews applications based on the child's needs and available spots. Decisions are announced in early June.

schedule
Tzaharonim (Afternoon Care)

Afternoon care groups (until 16:00-17:00) are not included in the free education program. They are commercial services requiring separate registration and monthly payment. Register early — places are limited.

rocket_launch
Registration & Action Items
open_in_newMunicipality Portal

Gan Iriya / גן עירייה registration opens on your municipality website. Find your city, then look for אגף חינוך / רישום לגני ילדים.

Checklist

Step 5: Educational track and committee

Vaadat Zakaut VeIfyun / ועדת זכאות ואפיון; Sal Sherutim / סל שירותים; Shiluv / שילוב

gavel

Parents' Rights at the Committee

Amendment #11 to the Special Education Law strengthened parents' rights to participate in choosing the educational framework.

analytics
The Committee (Vaadat Zakaut VeIfyun) determines:
  • checkWhether the child is eligible for special education services;
  • checkThe category of difficulty / type of impairment;
  • checkThe child's level of functioning;
  • checkThe budget of the services basket — Sal Sherutim / Sal Ishi;
  • checkWhich types of support can be made available in different frameworks.
assignment_turned_in
After the committee's decision, parents choose the type of educational framework:
  • arrow_forwardRegular class or kindergarten with support;
  • arrow_forwardSpecial education class in a regular school;
  • arrow_forwardSpecial school or special kindergarten.
warning

Important: In specific cases, the committee may decide on a different framework if it believes the parents' choice does not match the child's needs or the law's requirements. If parents disagree with the committee's decision, they can file an appeal — initiating a Vaadat Hashaga.

Preschool options (ages 3–5)
check
groups

Regular kindergarten with support (Shiluv)

A regular kindergarten where the child remains in the general educational environment and receives additional support. This is not a separate "integration class," but rather a regular framework + Shiluv support.

Regular kindergarten; Shiluv; Personal basket

Support can include:
  • Hours of special instruction;
  • Work with an integration teacher — Morat Shiluv;
  • Individual or small-group sessions;
  • Therapeutic services, if included in the basket;
  • Assistance of a tutor / Sayat, if eligible;
  • Accommodations and guidance for the school team.

infoThe exact number of hours should not be fixed as '3–5' or '6–12' because it depends on the committee's decision, age, functioning level, and the composition of the basket.

check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child remains in the regular class or kindergarten with peers.
  • They continue with the general curriculum but receive individual support.
  • The school environment remains as normal as possible, without moving to a separate special framework.
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child can function in a regular group but needs extra help.
  • Suitable for families who prioritize socialization, a regular school environment, and targeted professional support.
check
forum

Communication kindergarten (Gan Tikshoret)

A specialized kindergarten for children with ASD / autism. Note: Gan Tikshoret is a specific type of special kindergarten.

Gan Tikshoret; Services basket

Framework features:
  • Small group, individual program, and a multidisciplinary special education team;
  • Communication, social skills, self-regulation, and therapeutic work are built into the daily routine;
  • For school age: Kitat Tikshoret;
  • For preschool age: Gan Tikshoret.
check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child gets a small group and an environment adapted to communication and behavioral characteristics.
  • Work on speech, social interaction, independence, and self-regulation is built into the school day.
  • Specialists work not separately from the educational process, but within the child's daily framework.
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child's key need is communication, predictability, structure, and a constant therapeutic environment.
  • Often fits children who struggle to cope with a regular class even with support, but who benefit from a small group specifically profiled for ASD.
check
domain

Specialized kindergarten (ASD)

A separate special education kindergarten where the entire environment is designed around children with special educational needs.

Special kindergarten; Services basket

The learning environment includes:
  • Special curriculum, daily routine, team composition, pace of learning, therapeutic support, and daily structure;
  • Education, therapy, communication, behavior, and daily independence are integrated into the general routine;
  • Extended school day and therapeutic services;
  • Accompanied transport (where eligible).
check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child receives the most adapted and intensive educational environment.
  • Education, therapy, communication, behavior, and daily independence can be integrated into the general routine.
  • Often includes an extended school day, therapeutic services, and accompanied transport (where eligible).
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child needs a separate special environment, not just support within a regular school.
  • Suitable if the priority is maximum structure, safety, predictability, and intensive adaptation of the program to the child.
School options (ages 6–18)
check
groups

Regular class with support (Shiluv)

A regular class where the child remains in the general educational environment and receives additional support. This is not a separate "integration class," but rather a regular framework + Shiluv support.

Regular class; Shiluv; Personal basket

Support can include:
  • Hours of special instruction;
  • Work with an integration teacher — Morat Shiluv;
  • Individual or small-group sessions;
  • Therapeutic services, if included in the basket;
  • Assistance of a tutor / Sayat, if eligible;
  • Accommodations and guidance for the school team.

infoThe exact number of hours should not be fixed as '3–5' or '6–12' because it depends on the committee's decision, age, functioning level, and the composition of the basket.

check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child remains in the regular class or kindergarten with peers.
  • They continue with the general curriculum but receive individual support.
  • The school environment remains as normal as possible, without moving to a separate special framework.
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child can function in a regular group but needs extra help.
  • Suitable for families who prioritize socialization, a regular school environment, and targeted professional support.
check
person_add

Small special class (Kita Ketana)

A special class inside a regular school. In everyday language, it is often called a Kita Ketana, but the official term is a special education class in a regular school.

Kita Ketana; Special education class

Need profiles:
  • Language difficulties, developmental delay;
  • Emotional and behavioral difficulties;
  • Learning disabilities;
  • ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and other categories.
check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child learns in a small group and receives more structured support than in a regular class.
  • At the same time, they remain inside a regular school, rather than moving to a fully separate special school.
  • Contact with regular classes, participation in school life, and gradual integration are possible when suitable for the child.
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when support in the regular class is no longer sufficient.
  • It is suitable if the child needs a small group, a more predictable structure, and a special education team, but the family wishes to maintain a connection with the regular school environment.
check
forum

Communication class (Kitat Tikshoret)

A specialized small class for children with ASD / autism. Note: Kitat Tikshoret is not a separate fourth track, but a specific type of special class.

Kitat Tikshoret; Services basket

Framework features:
  • Small group, individual program, and a multidisciplinary special education team;
  • Communication, social skills, self-regulation, and therapeutic work are built into the daily routine;
  • For school age: Kitat Tikshoret;
  • For preschool age: Gan Tikshoret.
check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child gets a small group and an environment adapted to communication and behavioral characteristics.
  • Work on speech, social interaction, independence, and self-regulation is built into the school day.
  • Specialists work not separately from the educational process, but within the child's daily framework.
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child's key need is communication, predictability, structure, and a constant therapeutic environment.
  • Often fits children who struggle to cope with a regular class even with support, but who benefit from a small group specifically profiled for ASD.
check
domain

Specialized school (ASD)

A separate special education school where the entire environment is designed around children with special educational needs.

Special school; Services basket

The learning environment includes:
  • Special curriculum, daily routine, team composition, pace of learning, therapeutic support, and daily structure;
  • Education, therapy, communication, behavior, and daily independence are integrated into the general routine;
  • Extended school day and therapeutic services;
  • Accompanied transport (where eligible).
check_circleWhat it gives the child
  • The child receives the most adapted and intensive educational environment.
  • Education, therapy, communication, behavior, and daily independence can be integrated into the general routine.
  • Often includes an extended school day, therapeutic services, and accompanied transport (where eligible).
psychologyWhy families choose it
  • This option is chosen when the child needs a separate special environment, not just support within a regular school.
  • Suitable if the priority is maximum structure, safety, predictability, and intensive adaptation of the program to the child.
description
Shelohn Ofnia (School/Kindergarten Referral Form)

Detailed evaluation of academic performance and behavior compiled by the lead teacher. Must be signed and handed to you by late March.

errorWarning! The March 31 deadline has passed. Request the Shelohn Ofnia from the school administration immediately.
open_in_newQuestionnaires
alt_routeQuick Selection Logicexpand_more
  • If the child can be in a regular environment but needs help: regular class / kindergarten + Shiluv / Sal Ishi.
  • If the regular environment is no longer enough but you want to stay in a regular school: Kita Ketana / Special education class in a regular school.
  • If the child has ASD and needs a specialized communication environment: Kitat Tikshoret / Gan Tikshoret.
  • If a fully adapted special environment is required: Special school / Special kindergarten.
g_translateImportant Clarifications on Termsexpand_more
  • Shiluv / שילוב — This is not a special "integration class." It is the inclusion of the child in a regular educational framework with support.
  • Kita ketana / כיתה קטנה — Everyday term for a small special class in a regular school.
  • Kitat tikshoret / כיתת תקשורת — Specialized Kita Ketana for children with ASD.
  • Gan tikshoret / גן תקשורת — Specialized special kindergarten for children with ASD.
  • Sal ishi / סל אישי — Individual support basket for a child if parents chose a regular class or kindergarten.
  • Sal sherutim / סל שירותים — General term for the basket of services and support determined by the committee.
quizExam Accommodations (Bagrut)expand_more

Accommodations are not limited to extra time. The exact set depends on the subject, the evaluation/diagnosis, and approval by the school or district committee.

  • Extra time, usually 25%, with extended time possible in specific approved cases.
  • Testing in a quiet or separate room, sometimes with short breaks when approved.
  • Computer or keyboard entry instead of handwritten answers.
  • Reading questions or exam text aloud when allowed for the specific subject.
  • Dictating answers to an examiner, answer transcription, or an oral format instead of a written format.
  • Adapted questionnaire / she'elon mutam or another modified exam format in approved subjects.
  • Disregarding spelling errors or reducing the weight of spelling where subject rules allow it.
  • Approved aids such as a dictionary or electronic milonit, calculator, formula sheet, or other tools when permitted for that exam.
emoji_objectsGifted Programs (Mechunanin)expand_more

Neurodiverse students with high cognitive potential are eligible for two-phase screening tests in 2nd or 3rd grade to access enrichment tracks.

Checklist

Step 6: Therapy Funding Reform (Circular 5/25)

Reformat HaTipulim / רפורמת הטיפולים; Tipulim Para-Refuiim / טיפולים פארא-רפואיים

Therapy Volume Baskets
crib
Under Age 3 Basket

14 hours per week of intensive rehab therapies inside Maon Yom Shikumi (Speech, OT, PT, Psychologist).

child_care
Ages 3-7 Basket

14 hours per week of therapy provided directly inside specialized communication kindergartens.

school
School Age (Up to 18)

Integrated children receive 3 hours per week of sessions in HMO clinics. Co-payment: 36 NIS/session.

Verification of Right to Private Therapy Refund under Circular 5/25

Enter a planned date above to evaluate reform impact risks.

Private Therapy Refund Cancellation Phases (2026-2030 Reform)
01.02.2026

Reform launch: new patients under 6 without ASD lose private refund rights when a public clinic is available within 30 km.

01.08.2026

Private refunds phased out for new patients aged 6-9 without ASD or somatic disability.

01.01.2027

Private therapy refunds phased out for new patients under 6 with confirmed ASD or somatic disability.

01.01.2028

Private therapy refunds phased out for new patients aged 6-18 with confirmed ASD or somatic disability.

01.01.2030

Absolute legal ban on private therapy reimbursements across Israel.

info

Notice: Calculations are for informational purposes only. The paramedical reform is a long-term government transition, and dates or criteria can be adjusted by the Ministry of Health.

open_in_newCircular 5/25
Checklist

Verify before applying

Official sources

Use these links for the current rules, forms and eligibility criteria.

Israeli Ministry of Education: parent and teacher questionnaire PDF templatesMOH Circular 15/13: Autism Clinical Standard PDFMinistry of Health: child and teen psychiatric hospitalizationBituah Leumi Form 7821: Disabled Child Allowance online serviceKol Zchut: Municipal Tax Discount GuideClalit: child development formsMaccabi: child development questionnairesClalit: Paramedical Reform Guide
Information reviewed: June 2, 2026

Official sources take priority. Eligibility, amounts, dates and procedures may change. Confirm the details with the responsible authority before applying.

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