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The term "learning disabilities" is complex and has many definitions. It's a general term, which refers to a diverse group of disorders in brain functioning. These disorders lead to difficulties in acquiring basic learning skills (reading, writing, and math) and in their use. In addition, learning disabilities can affect speech, acquisition of foreign languages, and paying attention/concentrating. There can also be difficulties related to thinking skills, conceptualization, spatial and time orientation, memory, motor functioning, coordination, and organization. The difficulties cover a vast range of fields and can be at various levels of severity. It's important to note when trying to define "learning disabilities" that their main cause is not a physical handicap, sensual disability, low intellectual level, primary emotional problems, or environmental influences (such as cultural differences, inappropriate or inadequate instruction). If any of these is determined to be the main cause of the learning difficulties, then by definition, this is not a learning disability.
The number of students in Israel with learning disabilities has been estimated at 150,000. That's 10% of all students. In general, the intellectual ability of students with learning disabilities is normal, albeit there are those who function at lower intellectual levels. Students with learning disabilities exhibit an unexpected gap between their expected level of functioning - i.e., according to their abilities, age, and learning experience - and their actual level of functioning. Learning disabilities not only influence these students' learning from preschool through post secondary education, but also can cause difficulties throughout all stages of a person's life. However, the effects are especially pronounced during one's years of formal education where the academic difficulty and complexity progressively increase with time.
Frequently, students with learning disabilities have difficulty adapting to social and other situations that require an ability to vary their responses according to the situation and setting. In addition, many times the learning disorders are accompanied by emotional difficulties as a result of repeated failures. These difficulties can lead to development of a poor self image, decreased motivation in school, and anxieties, even though not all of these phenomena necessarily appear together.
Learning disabilities are permanent; nevertheless, it is possible to compensate for them in great measure by means of practicing specific learning strategies or bypassing the area of the disability.
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