Initial Assessment in Child Development

The reasons for referring a child for developmental assessment can be numerous and varied, and it should be done whenever there is suspicion of various factors (parents, educational staff, pediatrician) contributing to developmental challenges.

We have outlined the steps for referring a child for an initial developmental assessment:

Stage 1 - Obtaining a Referral

First, you need to contact your child's pediatrician to request a referral for child development assessment and an explanation of the process.

Stage 2 - Completing Questionnaires and Forms

You must fill out the following questionnaires as honestly and accurately as possible. This information is crucial to ensure your child receives the most comprehensive and precise treatment for their needs:

• Parent Questionnaire.
• Questionnaire for the nursery teacher or the teacher/educator, depending on the educational framework in which the child is placed.
• Referral form from the treating physician (pediatrician or family doctor) to the developmental specialist in child development.
• If there is suspicion of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may be required to complete an ADHD diagnosis questionnaire.

Additionally, you may be asked to sign a confidentiality waiver and request information from your child's educational institution to facilitate maximum cooperation with the educational staff.
Please upload the completed questionnaires and documents to the Leumit website or App, or submit them to the local medical center.

Stage 3 - Acceptance and Evaluation Process for Child Development

Your documents will be forwarded to Leumit’s referring authority, where they will be examined. Approximately three weeks after submitting the forms, a qualified professional from Leumit’s Child Development Center will contact you to inform you about the scheduling process with the referring authority. Subsequently, appointment dates will be coordinated, commitments will be issued, or you will be directed to receive services through Leumit.

Stage 4 - Examination by a Developmental Pediatrician, Initial Diagnosis, or Specialized Diagnosis

You should present the following documents during the examination or diagnosis process:

• Referral form from the treating physician (pediatrician or family doctor) to the developmental specialist in child development.
• Diagnosis commitment form.
• Relevant documents such as completed questionnaires, test results, and more.
  Following the assessment and summary report writing, you will find the diagnosis summary report, including a treatment plan, type of treatment (long-term/short-term), and recommendations on the Leumit website or App.

Stage 5 - Beginning Treatment

The Child Development Coordinator will contact you within approximately two weeks of the diagnosis to update you on the process. If necessary, an appointment for starting treatment will be *scheduled, or you will be added to the waiting list and contacted once a treatment slot becomes available.
Throughout the entire process, the Child Development Coordinator will guide you and ensure that all required approvals and forms are completed on your behalf.

*According to the Ministry of Health guidelines, the maximum waiting period for diagnosis and treatment initiation in Child Development Centers is up to 3 months.