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Adults

How should one deal with acceptance exams at work? Should one tell the employer/tester before the exam about the learning disability?

 

We recommend that you seek vocational counseling on this topic with a psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities.

 

Since the psychometric exams are based on knowledge and speed, I would like to know if additional time is give for students with learning disabilities, and if so, who do I need to turn to in order to receive the extra time?

 

The psychometric test does not provide extra time. Alternately, there is an accommodated exam for those with learning disabilities, which is computerized. Regarding additional accommodations, you should go to the Center for Evaluation and bring a valid assessment according to which the accommodations will be determined.

 

I am 25-year-old psychology student. I've been diagnosed since 8th grade with learning disabilities and test anxiety. Before exams, I get really scared. It turns out that I study for close to two weeks for an exam and I when I come to the test, I don't remember almost anything because of the pressure. I tried a few homeopathic methods. What should I do?

 

We recommend that you receive treatment for test anxiety. This can be done with a psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities or with a personal coach.

 

My 18-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD. On his matriculation (bagrut) exams he received very high grades in Computers, Math, and English. The difficult subjects for him are History, Citizenship, and Literature. He took the psychometric exam in order to get accepted to Atuda (academic military program for outstanding students). He received very high scores on the section that requires mathematical thinking, but on the verbal sections his scores were quite low, which lowered his overall average, and he wasn't accepted. My question is, are there leniencies in admission for institutions for higher education? He wants to try to take the test again after the army.

 

The psychometric exam does not offer extra time. On the other hand, there is an accommodated questionnaire for students with learning disabilities, which is computerized. Regarding other sorts of accommodations, you should consult with the Evaluation Center and to come with a valid assessment according to which the accommodations will be determined.

 

My 18-year-old son suffers from problems in focusing specifically. He's already taken the written exam for his driver's license twice and failed. He explains that it's very difficult for him. The question is whether there are any sorts of leniencies at the driver's license office for children who suffer from this problem?

1.       You can contact the Ministry of Transportation to check where there are courses with accommodations for people with learning disabilities.

2.       In a case where there is a valid assessment, you should present it to the Transportation Office in order to receive the accepted accommodations for people with learning disabilities.

One of the most important subjects in my opinion, and unfortunately one of the topics which receives the least attention concerning people with ADHD, is the topic of driving. In one word - it's dangerous, and is likely to be very dangerous. How can parents of beginning drivers help them in this area? Should driving privileges only be given under the condition of treatment being received?

There is a connection between ADHD and traffic accidents. This topic is being studied today by the "Green Light Association" , which operates in the community with special projects whose goal is proper driving. As far as we know, awarding of a driver's license cannot be dependent on whether the driver receives some sort of treatment.

On the other hand, it's important to arouse broad public awareness, like that which is done to stress the danger of alcohol and driving.

Where can I receive advice or help for adults with learning disabilities that are having difficulty in day-to-day life and finding employment?

 

We know that adults with learning disabilities have difficulty at times in their daily lives, including finding a job. You can contact an occupational psychologist for consultation. It's important to make sure that the psychologist has experience in the field of learning disabilities and ADHD. Similarly, you can seek out coaching with a coach. Also with coaching, it's advisable to seek out a person with experience in the field of learning disabilities and ADHD.

 

My husband is 50-years-old. Apparently, he's dyslexic and suffers from ADHD (he's yet to take tests to verify these conditions). As a result of financial problems at his place of work, he began suffering from depression 5 years ago, which occasionally worsens and is insufferable. He's under treatment of a psychiatrist, but until now, all of the medications that he's been given haven't helped. It should be noted; he's tried tens of types of medications but to no avail. We are in a desperate situation, and my husband has even lost his faith in psychiatric medications. Currently, we are trying to go through the evaluations concerned with ADHD and learning disabilities. I'm quite skeptical that this will help. It's clear to me that the situation is complicated. Do you have experience with this topic? What would recommend doing?

We know that ADHD with adults is much more prevalent than was thought in the past. Actually, some 60% of children will suffer from this disorder also when they're adults (likely with changes in the disorder's symptoms). Additionally, we know today that most people who suffer from this disorder will suffer from another accompanying psychiatric disorder, likely depression.

On the other hand, depression is significant enough of a factor to cause a decrease in attention and focus as part of the symptoms of the illness itself.

Our recommendation is to continue the evaluation process your husband began, not to give up, but it's advisable to consult with a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD in adults.

Occasionally, it's a good idea to consider effective treatment of depression and then to conduct the evaluation for ADHD.

Much success, and it's important to know that treatment is possible and in the end you'll find the way.

I am 21-years-old and probably hyperactive or with an attention-deficit problem. I wanted to ask if there is a bachelor's program in psychology for students with learning disabilities. I want to learn a bachelor's degree very much, but I worry that I won't succeed at a university or regular college...I'd be glad to receive an answer as soon as possible and if there is another field I'd be glad to change this too...It should be noted that I want an academic program and not a course.

 

Unfortunately, in Israel there aren't institutions that are intended specifically for students with learning disabilities or ADHD. However, there are a few institutions that give special attention and assistance to students with learning disabilities; so, you should contact the different institutions and inquire about the different programs and assistance given to students. In addition, we would like to direct your attention to two college preparatory programs that exist. One is at the Seminar HaKibbutzim and is called "Nitzanei Mehut" and the second is at Tel Hai College. Similarly, we recommend for you to contact a counselor about your studies who can provide you with additional information. The Leshem Association for example deals with the topic of academic studies for students with learning disabilities.

 

I have learning disabilities. I haven't taken a formal evaluation, but they did "something" in the 80's. Now, I'm a PhD student, but I still feel the difficulties. What are the possibilities? Am I eligible for leniencies? (Even though the master's degree I did without leniencies).

Learning disabilities are identified at different stages in life and the difficulties appear in different ways throughout life. It's possible to be evaluated even at an adult age to evaluate the existing difficulties and to consider giving accommodations if this is necessary.

You are invited to consult with Rami Gertler, Head of the Diagnosis and Treatment Department at The Nitzan Association, who diagnoses and offers consultation for adults with learning disabilities.