What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing problem. In affected persons, it can cause a cluster of symptoms due to the brain struggling to process light and visual stimuli efficiently. Irlen Syndrome is not a reading problem, is not dyslexia, is not an issue with sight or vision, even though it can affect what some people see and can make reading and other visual activities more difficult. It is not a medical condition, however as a sensory processing problem needs to be addressed within the educational system. The Irlen Method was reviewed by various USA Boards of Optometry and the USA Medical Board, and they concluded it was not the practice of either optometry or medicine.
When someone has Irlen Syndrome, sometimes also called scotopic sensitivity, their brain overreacts to light and visual stimuli. This over-activity and inability to effectively process visual stimuli creates a variety of visual, physical, cognitive, emotional, and neurological symptoms. Irlen Syndrome is hereditary and tends to run in families, affecting males and females equally. However, an individual can also acquire symptoms of Irlen Syndrome as a result of illness, medical procedures, or traumatic brain injury (or concussion). Like Autism, Irlen Syndrome is a spectrum disorder, falling on a continuum from slight to severe. Individuals who can read or perform visually-intensive activities for 40-60 minutes before any Irlen symptoms appear are on the slight end of the spectrum. These individuals can manage most academic tasks without difficulty; but when endurance is required, their performance may deteriorate. Individuals with severe Irlen Syndrome will experience symptoms within 20 minutes of beginning to read. For some, symptoms may not begin immediately; however, symptoms will get worse the longer the individual continues to read or be in bright lighting. Fortunately, it is very easy to identify and correct Irlen Syndrome.
Backed by over 40 years of research, Irlen is the pioneer and global leader in spectral filter color lens technology. This innovative, breakthrough solution has helped millions of adults and children around the world. With hundreds of certified providers in 46 countries around the world, Irlen is the original creator of colored lens treatment for light-based, visual processing difficulties. We offer Irlen Screenings at MANYA and are proud to be a provider that offers this non-invasive, practical, and highly effective solution.
Irlen also can play a role in the challenges experienced by many individuals who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, concussion syndrome, and traumatic brain injury. You and your child deserve a solution for ADHD that is non-invasive, a solution for headaches that is immediate, an alternative treatment for autism that addresses sensory overload, and a successful way to combat the light sensitivity and physical symptoms caused by head injury. The Irlen Method is a straightforward solution that offers immediate results.
The Irlen Method provides a unique service for some children and adults identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), discipline problems, headaches and migraines, autism, and traumatic brain injury. And this can even apply to gifted students, who don’t have difficulties with learning but struggle with headaches, focus, and light sensitivity.
Gifted and Average Students with Good Reading Skills:
- Spends longer to complete homework
- Physical complaints of headaches, strain, or tiredness when reading or at school
- Avoids reading or reading for pleasure
- Does poorly on timed tests or standardized tests
- Unable to keep up with reading assignments
- Reads beginning and summaries rather than the entire chapter
- Listens in class rather than doing assigned reading
- Finds it easier to learn from discussion than reading
- Works hard to get grades but feels that s/he is brighter than grades indicate
- Considered lazy or unmotivated. Told they could do better if tried harder
- 12-14% can be helped by the Irlen Method
Reading Problems, Dyslexia and Learning Difficulties:
- Reading is difficult and cannot use their reading skills or learn basic reading skills
- Problems with flow, fluency, and comprehension
- 46% of this population can be helped by the Irlen Method
- Other problems may exist and instruction or remediation may be necessary
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/HD):
There is confusion and controversy over using medication to treat ADD/HD. Conflicting information has led to under-recognition as well as over-diagnosis and over-treatment. According to the experts, almost half of all children in the country with ADD/HD are not receiving appropriate care. As many as a third of those identified as having attention deficit disorder may be mislabeled and can be helped by the Irlen Method. The characteristics of those who can be helped are:
- Problems concentrating when reading or writing
- Easily distracted when reading or writing
- Distracted when under fluorescent lights
- Daydreams in class
- Problems staying on task with academic work
- Problems starting academic tasks
Headaches, Migraines and Other Physical Symptoms:
Headaches, migraines, stomachaches, dizziness and fatigue are a few of the physical symptoms which may be alleviated by the Irlen Method. These symptoms can have a variety of triggers, and those who benefit from wearing Irlen Spectral Filters may demonstrate the following problems:
- Discomfort in sunlight
- Discomfort in bright lights or fluorescent lights
- Prefer dim lighting
- Bothered by headlights at night
- Bothered by glare
- Discomfort with computer use
- Stress or strain with sustained reading
- Stress or strain from visually-intensive activities
- Difficulty looking at stripes or patterns
- Certain colors are bright and bothersome
- Snow, rain, and hazy days can appear to be glary
Light Sensitivity:
- Bothered by glare, fluorescent lights, bright lights, sunlight and sometimes lights at night
- Some individuals experience physical symptoms and feel tired, sleepy, dizzy, anxious, or irritable. Others experience headaches, mood changes, restlessness or have difficulty staying focused, especially with bright or fluorescent lights.
Autism and Asperger Syndrome:
Approximately 50% of those with Autism and Asperger Syndrome have the following types of difficulties which can by helped by the Irlen Method:
- Looks in a series of short glances
- Looks away from visual targets
- Squints or looks down
- Finger flicks
- Sideway glances
- Poor eye contact
- Rubs or pushes on eyes
- Mesmerized by colors, patterns, or light
- Behavior changes in bright lights or sunlight
- Poor spatial or body awareness
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulties with stairs, escalators, or catching balls
- Poor small or gross motor coordination
Traumatic Brain Injuries, Head Injuries, Concussions and Whiplash:
35% of people suffering from these conditions have the following symptoms which can be helped:
- Reading. Problems reading because of a change in clarity or stability of the print.
- Sustained Attention and Concentration. Problems with ease and comfort reading and doing other visual activities
- Light Sensitivity. Individuals become light sensitive. This makes going outside, being in bright lighting or fluorescent lighting, and driving at night uncomfortable or stressful.
- Physical Symptoms. Experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, or stomachaches. The severity of these physical symptoms is often increased by sunlight, bright lighting, reading, and other visually-intensive activities.
- Depth Perception. Problems with activities that require the ability to judge depth or spatial relationships.
- Fatigue. General sense of being tired and fatigued.
- Neurological Problems. Light-induced seizures, tremors, or other similar problems.
Psychological, Medical and Visual Problems:
The following are a sampling of some conditions whose symptoms include light sensitivity, processing difficulties, and sensory overload and which have been helped by the Irlen Method:
- Light-Induced Epilepsy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Strokes
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Viral Illnesses
- Tourette Syndrome
- Lyme Disease
- Agoraphobia
Research
