New Insights: One in 50 in Israel on the Autism Spectrum

In Israel, one in every 50 children is now diagnosed on the autism spectrum, with data showing a threefold increase in diagnoses over the past decade. This trend reflects significant changes in understanding autism and the ability to identify it at an earlier stage. Dr. Dov Inbar, a pediatric neurology expert, notes in an interview with the newspaper Maariv that early diagnosis and therapeutic involvement can drastically improve the quality of life for both the child and their family.

The rise in autism spectrum diagnoses among children is not only a result of increasing awareness but also due to technological improvements and advancements in research. Dr. Inbar points out that the earlier autism is identified, the more likely children are to benefit from effective interventions, such as behavioral therapy and supportive therapy, which can enhance their coping abilities with the challenges stemming from autism.

One of the central questions in autism diagnosis is how to enhance awareness among doctors, kindergarten teachers, school teachers, and parents to recognize early signs. Currently, autism can be detected as early as 18 months, and there are tools and technologies that allow for more accurate diagnoses. In some cases, particularly early diagnostics can affect a child's future and provide them with the necessary tools for better integration into educational and social frameworks.

Additionally, Dr. Inbar mentions that beyond the developmental aspect, one of the significant issues related to autism is a lack of broad understanding in the field. Many organizations, including public health centers, have become more aware of the need to offer tailored support for autistic populations and programs that can support them more broadly. According to Dr. Inbar, it is important for everyone, including professionals in medicine and education, to work in an integrated and focused manner to ensure the child's long-term well-being.

The growing trend of early diagnosis is also evident in the public health system, where the number of recorded diagnoses has sharply increased in recent years. This represents an important change in perspective, with greater recognition of the need for investment in early therapeutic treatment. Dr. Inbar emphasizes that the ability to detect early signs of autism at a particularly young age enables parents and policymakers to plan and implement advanced treatment programs that can improve the child's quality of life and support them in overcoming educational and social challenges.

It is also important to note that not every child on the autism spectrum will require the same support or treatment. Each child has unique needs, and Dr. Inbar recommends close monitoring by medical and educational teams to provide the most appropriate support for each child, in collaboration with the family. This process requires patience, understanding, and persistence, but its results may be significant in the long run.