A new study by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, conducted in collaboration with the KI Research Institute, reveals systemic barriers in autism services that are depriving children in disadvantaged communities of critical early intervention. The findings show that children in Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) neighborhoods receive eligibility for autism benefits at an average age of 4.7 years—two full years later than their peers in non-Haredi neighborhoods (avg. 2.7 years). This delay means these children are missing the most critical window for effective early intervention.
Furthermore, the research highlights a significant gap in eligibility rates by population groups and socioeconomic status (SES): in the Arab sector and low-SES neighborhoods, far fewer children are diagnosed despite high exposure to known risk factors. To address these disparities, the researchers propose an immediate solution: leveraging the existing “Tipat Halav” (family health clinic) infrastructure to implement a universal screening model. This risk-prediction approach would enable early diagnosis without requiring additional budgetary allocations.
The study authored by Dr. Sarit Silverman, Dr. Guy Amit, and Dr. Yair Sadaka analyzed administrative data from the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) for children born between 2005 and 2021 who receive disability allowances due to an autism diagnosis.
Number of Students on the Autism Spectrum in the Education System (Preschool–Grade 12), by School Year
Rising Autism Trends in Israel and the Accessibility Paradox
Aligning with global trends, Israel has seen a dramatic rise in ASD prevalence over the last two decades. Data from the school system shows that the number of students with an ASD diagnosis has surged from approximately 1 per 1,000 children in 2005 to an estimated 20 per 1,000 (i.e. 1 in 50 children) in 2025. While this increase has been attributed to broadened diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) and improved detection tools, as well as state incentives, increased social acceptance, and heightened public awareness, the study finds that these advancements have not reached all segments of Israeli society equally. A paradoxical situation has emerged: despite an extensive state support system, significant disparities in access persist between population groups.
Compounded Disadvantage in Haredi Neighborhoods
Clinical guidelines emphasize that autism diagnosis should ideally occur between the ages of two and three to ensure optimal intervention outcomes. The study strikingly found that children residing in Haredi neighborhoods face a unique set of obstacles in this regard. First, identification rates are significantly lower than in the non-Haredi Jewish population (0.9% vs. 1.9%). Second, children in Haredi neighborhoods face a severe delay in the age they first enter the support system. While the average age of formal identification—measured by the point at which a child is recognized by the state and becomes eligible for benefits—is 2.7 years for the broader Jewish population, it jumps to 4.7 years in Haredi neighborhoods. This means that for Haredi children, the entire process of recognition occurs two years later, causing them to miss the critical window for intervention.
The “Invisible” Children: Gaps in the Arab Sector and Low-SES Areas
While the Arab sector and low-SES neighborhoods do not face the same age-related delays as the Haredi sector, they struggle with a similarly low likelihood of being diagnosed at all. For children from these populations who are diagnosed, recognition is received at a relatively young age; however, overall identification rates are very low (just 0.8% in the Arab sector). This suggests that many children in these groups never enter the diagnostic and therapeutic system at all.
The Solution: Universal Screening and Proactive Intervention
To bridge these gaps, the researchers recommend a shift toward universal autism screening through the national “Tipat Halav” system. The study proposes utilizing a risk-prediction model developed by the KI Research Institute, which allows for accurate assessment based on developmental milestones already routinely measured at Tipat Halav visits.
As a universal public infrastructure serving all sectors, Tipat Halav provides the necessary reach to ensure that at-risk children are flagged early, regardless of their background. Furthermore, the prediction model is based on developmental monitoring that already exists, so the autism screening can be integrated into clinical workflows without additional costs. To be fully effective, this must be paired with proactive outreach for disadvantaged populations, including community education, culturally sensitive training for providers, and programs to help families navigate the system from the initial screening through treatment.