What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome, also known as Visual Stress/ Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS), is a perceptual processing problem to do with how the brain interprets visual information. When we look at a page of text we typically see the words sitting clearly on the line, with regular spacing between them. The print is more dominant than the background and none of the letters are moving.
However, for someone who experiences Irlen Syndrome this is not necessarily the case. There can be a range of visual ‘distortions’ that make the words really difficult to see and read. Some see the words blurring or appearing ‘washed out’, making them hard to read. Others see the white background of a page more prominently than the text, making it look like white ‘rivers’ are running down the page. More extreme forms of Irlen Syndrome include seeing the words swirling on the page, floating up or rippling before their eyes.
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To see examples of these ‘distortions’ for yourself please look at this eye-opening video - Click Here
It’s no wonder, then, that children who experience these symptoms are reluctant to pick up a book – even for someone with mild symptoms it will still take significantly more effort to read, and they will become tired much more quickly than their peers.
Children with Irlen Syndrome may also demonstrate some of the following characteristics;
Experts currently estimate that around 12% of the population may experience Irlen Syndrome to some extent, and it often co-exists with other learning difficulties. Some researchers have suggested that anywhere up to 50% of dyslexics may also experience a form of Irlen, which is where it meets with my interest and experience.
It’s no wonder, then, that children who experience these symptoms are reluctant to pick up a book – even for someone with mild symptoms it will still take significantly more effort to read, and they will become tired much more quickly than their peers.
Children with Irlen Syndrome may also demonstrate some of the following characteristics;
- A slower reading rate and a difficulty with continuous reading.
- Poor comprehension.
- Poor depth perception.
- Difficulty with ball sports.
- Light sensitivity.
- Inability to sit still and concentrate.
- Complaints of strain, headaches and/or tiredness while readying, studying, using the computer, or sitting for long periods under fluorescent lights.
Experts currently estimate that around 12% of the population may experience Irlen Syndrome to some extent, and it often co-exists with other learning difficulties. Some researchers have suggested that anywhere up to 50% of dyslexics may also experience a form of Irlen, which is where it meets with my interest and experience.
What can be done?
The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome can be relieved by using coloured filters (often in the form of an overlay), which block out certain wavelengths that may be irritating the brain and causing the discomforts.
For those who experience more severe distortions, filters can be put into glasses. Please note that official Irlen Institute advice states not to tint glasses the same colour of the overlay, as this could cause strain and other physical symptoms and may make reading harder instead of better. Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
For those who experience more severe distortions, filters can be put into glasses. Please note that official Irlen Institute advice states not to tint glasses the same colour of the overlay, as this could cause strain and other physical symptoms and may make reading harder instead of better. Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
The assessment.
As a fully qualified Irlen Screener, I can offer an assessment for Irlen Syndrome. The assessment typically takes around 45 – 60 minutes. If the test concludes that any coloured overlays are needed or, in more severe cases, prescribed tinted lenses, I can provide you with details about where to order them from. I will then write up more details about my findings and recommendations in a short report.