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General Information on Learning Disabilities & ADHD 

Is the cause of learning disabilities known? 

Learning disabilities are typically congenital and result from issues in the nervous system, brain structure, or brain chemistry. These neurological differences affect how information is received, processed, and linked. 

How do I know if I have a learning disability or ADHD? 

To determine whether you have a learning disability or ADHD, you will need to undergo an official diagnostic assessment. Hebrew University’s Unit for Assessment and Support for Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders conducts all necessary assessments for identifying learning disabilities and ADHD. The evaluation is performed using MATAL, a nationwide computerized diagnostic system, which is recognized for accommodations in both psychometric testing and all academic institutions in Israel. Accommodations for exam conditions and support services will be determined based on the diagnostic results. 

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The MATAL Diagnostic Process 

Suitability for MATAL Assessment 

Hebrew is not my native language. Should I still undergo a MATAL assessment? 

For individuals whose native language is not Hebrew, eligibility for the MATAL assessment is not automatic and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If Hebrew is not your first language, you should consult with a professional at the diagnostic center where you intend to undergo the assessment to determine suitability. You may be required to register and complete the enrollment process to allow for a thorough evaluation of your eligibility. 

The decision on whether the MATAL assessment—or any assessment in Hebrew—is appropriate depends on both your specific linguistic background and the purpose of the assessment. If you are a long-term immigrant and need an evaluation for accommodations and support at a higher education institution, the MATAL assessment is generally accepted. However, if you require an assessment for requesting accommodations on the psychometric exam, you may be asked to provide results from an assessment conducted in your native language. In such cases, it is recommended to seek guidance from a professional at the diagnostic center where you plan to take the assessment. 

Considerations for Seeking a MATAL Assessment 

I have a medical/mental health condition. Can I still take the MATAL assessment? 

 

Each case is assessed individually. It is recommended to consult with a professional at the assessment center where you wish to undergo the evaluation. You may be asked to register for the assessment and complete the registration process to allow for a thorough review of your suitability. 

It is advisable to provide a letter from your treating physician or psychologist explaining how your medical condition and/or any medications you take may impact your performance in a computerized assessment and your academic functioning. 

 

My main issue is difficulty in exams. I struggle to achieve grades that reflect my knowledge. Should I undergo a MATAL assessment? 

Many students experience challenges related to exams, such as difficulties in preparing for tests, anxiety during exams, or trouble completing the exam within the allotted time. These students often feel that they understand the material but struggle to demonstrate their knowledge under test conditions. 

If your primary difficulty is exam-related and you do not experience broader learning challenges or have a diagnosed attention disorder, a MATAL assessment may not be necessary. MATAL is specifically designed to diagnose learning disabilities and attention disorders. It does not assess issues related to ineffective test preparation, test anxiety, or time management difficulties during exams. 

It is important to note that most academic institutions do not grant extra time in exams solely for these issues. However, you may seek support in managing these challenges through the university’s student services office or the Dean of Students. 

Can MATAL be used to obtain accommodations for the Bagrut (matriculation) exams? 

A MATAL assessment is considered a didactic assessment for the purpose of obtaining accommodations in the Bagrut exams due to a learning disability. A didactic assessment is required to determine eligibility for common accommodations (Level 1 and 2 accommodations), such as extra time. 

If you have a severe learning disability, you may be eligible for Level 3 accommodations, such as an oral exam or an adapted questionnaire. In the education system, eligibility for Level 3 accommodations depends on completing a psychological assessment and sometimes additional evaluations that are not included in the MATAL assessment (such as writing tasks in Hebrew and English). 

This additional assessment can be completed at certain MATAL diagnostic centers (for an additional fee) or by licensed psychologists qualified to conduct these evaluations. 

Which diagnostic center should I choose for the MATAL assessment? 

In most cases, it is recommended to select a diagnostic center from the list available on the National Institute for Testing & Evaluation website, based on proximity to your place of residence. However, if you require additional services (such as a psychological evaluation, bilingual Hebrew-Russian assessment, or an official assessment for a foreign institution), you may prefer a center that offers these specific services. 

Applying for a MATAL Assessment 

I have significant difficulty writing. Should I dictate my answers to another person? 

No. Even if you find writing very difficult, it is important that you complete the questionnaire yourself (except for the sections designated for a parent to fill out). If the assessor is unable to decipher your writing, they will contact you for clarification. 

The computer records only the test results, not the problem-solving processes. What if my difficulties are not fully reflected in the computerized assessment? How will the examiner be made aware of them? 

If you are concerned that your difficulties may not be fully captured in the computerized assessment, rest assured that an examiner will accompany you throughout the evaluation. One of their key responsibilities is to observe and document various aspects of your performance that the computer does not register. In addition, you will have the opportunity to describe your difficulties in detail through a personal questionnaire and a meeting with the examiner. 

Can I undergo a partial assessment for English accommodations only?  

No. The MATAL assessment is always administered in its entirety, as it relies on a full battery of tests. Furthermore, determining eligibility for exam accommodations in English requires performance data in your native language (Hebrew) as well.  

What Happens If I Can't Find the Required Documents? 

It is strongly recommended to make every effort to locate the necessary documents. This may include contacting your school, the assessment center where you were previously evaluated, or other relevant institutions. You may also request a letter from a learning support teacher describing your difficulties. 

If you are unable to obtain these documents, the examiner may ask for your permission to contact individuals who know you well, such as parents or teachers, to help reconstruct your developmental and academic history. 

Why is this important? 

• A lack of documentation may make it harder for the examiner to reach a definitive diagnosis. 
• After the assessment, institutions responsible for approving accommodations may reject the examiner’s recommendations due to the absence of objective documentation of previous learning difficulties. 

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Receiving Accommodations for Academic Exams 

If I have received accommodations in the past, does that guarantee I will receive them in the future? 

No. Each institution has its own criteria for granting accommodations. The criteria for accommodations in higher education (in the psychometric exam and at academic institutions) are not the same as those used for high school matriculation exams. Moreover, each system has its own list of accommodations. For example, oral exams and modified exam booklets are possible accommodations in high school matriculation exams but are not commonly accepted in higher education. 

Can I be certain that the examiner will recommend testing accommodations? 

No. The examiner is committed to maintaining the professional standards of the assessment, and their recommendations are based on the assessment findings. In the MATAL system, recommendations for academic exam accommodations are determined according to clear criteria that define the eligibility conditions for each of the accommodations recognized by higher education institutions. 

Is the academic institution required to accept the assessor’s recommendations? 

No. The assessor’s recommendations are just that – recommendations. Each institution has the right to determine accommodations based on its own considerations and policies. The final decision on granting accommodations is made by a professional committee within each institution. However, if an institution rejects the assessor’s recommendations, it is advisable to inquire about the reason for the rejection. After clarifying the reason, you may discuss with the assessor whether it is possible to appeal the decision. 

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Submitting a Request for Accommodations in the Psychometric Exam

Does the assessment center handle the submission of the request? 

No. Submitting the request is your responsibility. 

How long before the psychometric exam should I seek an assessment? 

Registration for adapted exams closes approximately a month and a half before the exam date. It is recommended to submit the request for accommodations about a month and a half before that—meaning, a total of three months before the exam date. The assessment process itself typically takes between four to six weeks.  

It is important to keep in mind that towards the end of the registration period, diagnostic centers experience a high volume of applicants, and in some cases, they may not be able to accommodate all requests. Therefore, it is recommended to begin the assessment process at least five months before the exam date.  

When contacting the diagnostic center, be sure to mention that the assessment is required for submitting a request for testing accommodations on the psychometric exam, and confirm that the assessment process can be completed in time. The responsibility for verifying scheduling and deadlines rests with you.  

Do I need to complete the test-taker questionnaire for the Accommodated Testing Unit? 

No. Once you have completed the MATAL test-taker questionnaire, you may – and are encouraged to – submit a copy of it instead of the Accommodated Testing Unit’s questionnaire. 

On the last page of the MATAL questionnaire, please add the following statements: 

"I authorize the Accommodated Testing Unit to contact the professional who conducted my assessment, if necessary, for additional information.” 

"I confirm that all the information provided in this questionnaire is accurate." 

Signature: ______________________ 

I was diagnosed with a learning disability in my assessment, but my request for accommodations in the psychometric exam was denied. What can I do?  

The rejection of your request does not necessarily mean that the conclusions of your assessment were dismissed. Your accommodations may not have been approved for another reason, such as: 

• The diagnosed disability is not expected to significantly impact your performance on the psychometric exam. 
• The specific limitation identified in your assessment cannot be bypassed because the exam is designed to measure that exact skill. 

The letter you received from the Unit for Adapted Exams at the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation details the reasons for the rejection of your request. If the unit's decision contradicts the diagnosis provided by your assessor, you may contact the assessment center where you were evaluated and attach the rejection letter. You can then discuss your options with the assessor. 

 

Are my assessment details confidential? 

The fact that you underwent an assessment is not entirely confidential. Your name and identification number are stored in an online registration system accessible to all MATAL assessment centers. However, the results of your assessment are confidential and are provided only to you. The results may be used for research purposes, but all identifying details will be removed to ensure full anonymity. 

How long is the assessment valid? 

In most institutions, the assessment is valid for five years. 

Is the assessment valid for receiving accommodations at universities abroad? 

It is your responsibility to verify whether the MATAL assessment is accepted by academic institutions abroad. You must check this directly with the relevant institution. In some cases, additional evaluation beyond the MATAL assessment may be required, or the structure of the assessment report may need to be adjusted to meet the institution’s requirements. It is important to coordinate this in advance with the assessment center where your evaluation will be conducted. 

After completing the MATAL assessment, you will need to arrange for the report to be translated into English. Once translated, you must return the translated report to the assessment center so that the assessor can sign it, confirming the accuracy of the translation. This process involves an additional fee. 

Another option, which is usually more expensive, is to have the translation certified by a notary. 

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Learning Disabilities at Hebrew University 

Does having a learning disability affect my chances of admission to the university? 

During the university application process, candidates are not required to declare a learning disability. Information regarding a learning disability is confidential and is shared only with the teaching secretariats to ensure accommodations are properly implemented. 

Which assessments are recognized as valid at Hebrew University? 

A valid assessment is one that has been conducted within the past five years by a certified assessor according to legal standards. This includes: 

• An assessment performed by an assessor with an MA in Learning Disabilities from a recognized academic institution. 
• An assessment conducted by a certified psychologist who has undergone specialized training in learning disability assessment. 

For ADHD, assessments from a psychiatrist and/or a neurologist specializing in ADHD are accepted. However, accommodations are granted only after a full didactic evaluation.  
ADHD assessments conducted solely by medial professionals are not valid for granting accommodations. 

Is an assessment completed during high school still valid?  

An assessment is valid as long as it was conducted within the last five years. Therefore, an assessment conducted during high school may still be valid, provided it does not exceed this five-year limit. 

How are accommodations determined for exams at Hebrew University? 

Accommodations are tailored based on: 

• The type and severity of the learning disability 
• The faculty’s academic requirements 
• The feasibility of implementing the accommodation within the university’s framework 

It is important to note that the university reserves the right to reject all or part of the recommendations in the assessment report, or to require an additional evaluation from the student. 

How long do faculty-approved accommodations for exams remain valid? 

Accommodations granted by the Teaching Committee are valid for three years. 

Am I required to inform the university that I have a learning disability? 

No, there is no obligation to disclose a learning disability to the university. However, the Unit for Assessment and Support for Students with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders recommends reaching out to them to learn about the available services and personalized support options. 

It is important to note that the Unit maintains strict confidentiality, in accordance with professional therapeutic standards. This means that information is not disclosed to any party unless the student has explicitly requested and provided consent. 

 

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