Remember, however, that the system often needs nudging. You must be there for your child: to explain the type of problem to every new teacher, to demand longer time for tests if need be, and to make sure your child is receiving all the help he or she is entitled to.

Nitzan, the National Organization of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, provides diagnostic testing, counseling, resources and treatment services for children and adults with dyslexia. Nitzan centers in the larger cities can provide bilingual testing. Contact: (03) 537-2270, (03) 537-1039.

ESRA, the English Speaking Residents Association, has a Support Group for Parents of Children with Mild Learning Disabilities (LD/ADHA) in English which provides information through monthly meetings to help the parents of children with mild learning disabilities, manage their lives more efficiently on a day to day basis, and to give them the tools and knowledge to support and help their children, so that they may succeed both in school and socially to the best of their abilities. Contact: Judith Schwarcz - (03) 540-7617, (052) 488288.

Horseback riding lessons are apparently helpful for children with ADD or concentration problems. Stables around the country specialize in teaching ADD or ADHD children to ride.

Machon Yael in Haifa, which combines clinical work with state of the art research, deals with diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of learning problems. Contacts: Golomb 26, Haifa 33393; tel.(04) 8383373, fax (04) 8360865.

Hillel is an organization in Jerusalem which counsels and supports parents of children with mild learning disabilities. Contact: Naomi Eshel-(02) 561-2372.

Orton Dyslexia Israel is part of the International Dyslexia Association which promotes effective teaching approaches and related clinical intervention. It provides strategies for dyslexics, as well as research and dissemination of research-based knowledge. Contact: David Finkelstein-(09) 740-9646.

Centre for Attention Disorders is a relatively new clinic in Herzliya which provides services to members of the Maccabi Health Fund. Its main activities are evaluations and parents’ groups. Call: (09) 9528451.

Ministry of Education Hotline: This professional division of the Ministry of Education assists in protecting student rights not being dealt with locally. Call: 1-800-250025.

Beyachad is a support organization for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADD/ADHD. Contact: Reuven Sadan-(03) 579-7004.

For information on occupational speech and movement therapies, click here.
For information on services for children with disabilities or special needs, click here.

Last updated: Jan. 2006