Introduction:
A somatic development disorder is any disability caused as the result of an illness or process which harms the central and peripheral nervous system, or the musculoskeletal system
Children with somatic disorders are entitled to have their health plan provide Child Development Services (diagnostic and treatment services) until they turn 18.
According to the August 2002 Ministry of Health definition, a somatic development disorder is any disability caused as the result of an illness or process which harms the central and peripheral nervous system, or the musculoskeletal system causing prolonged disability related to functioning capacity.
- Official diagnosis of a "somatic disorder" is given by a pediatric neurologist, a physician specializing in general rehabilitation, the director of a child development unit, or in rare cases by a pediatric psychiatrist.
- According to the National Health Insurance Law, children with somatic disorders are entitled to have their health plan provide diagnostic and treatment services from an inter-disciplinary professional staff at child development centers according to their individual needs until they turn 18.
Related Conditions
- The definition of somatic disorders refers to diseases characterized by developmental problems, such as:
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Brain injuries associated with cases of intellectual developmental disabilities (officially recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services)
- Metabolic disorders
- Complex injuries to the sensory organs associated with other neurological and somatic disorders
- Spinal and skeletal defects affecting development
- Chromosomal disorders affecting development, muscular dystrophy (such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and similar disorders
- Familial Dysautonomia (FD) - as of November 2010
- Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT) - as of November 2010
Laws & Regulations
- The National Health Insurance Law
- Medical Administration Circular 42/2002 from 21.8.2002 regarding somatic disorders in children requiring diagnosis and treatment at child development centers, as well as their rehabilitation
- Medical Administration Circular 45/2003 from 3.6.2003 - Amendment to Circular 42/2002
- Medical Administration Circular 37/2010 from 25.11.2010 regarding recognition of Familial Dysautonomia and Ataxia-Telangiectasia as somatic developmental disorders.
Credits
- English translation and maintenance by The Shira Pransky Project.