Irlen
Syndrome
Irlen
Syndrome is a condition that is linked to dyslexia in adults and other related
conditions.
A person with dyslexia may also experience the Irlen Syndrome,
which shares many similar symptoms. It is common for dyslexic individuals to
have both dyslexia and this syndrome.
Research and testing have revealed that looking at a distorted
page containing numbers, words, and musical notes can lead to various issues.
These issues include difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing. In
addition, there are instances where math skills, copying abilities, music
reading, driving, sports performance, computer proficiency, and comfort under
fluorescent lights can also be negatively impacted.
Defining Irlen
Individuals with this syndrome have a unique perception of
written materials compared to those with typical vision. Those affected must
continually adjust to the distortions they encounter when reading printed
pages.
This can result in becoming a reader who is slow or not
efficient. Moreover, your comprehension may be lacking as you don't genuinely
grasp the content you are reading. Furthermore, you may experience headaches,
strain, or fatigue.
This condition can have an impact on various aspects of your
life, including your ability to concentrate, stay motivated, maintain energy
levels, perceive depth, write neatly, and most importantly, feel good about
yourself. Individuals who experience this condition are often labeled as
underachievers who struggle with behavior, motivation, or attitude.
This syndrome is seen as a condition that can vary and be
complicated, and it is frequently found alongside other learning disabilities,
like dyslexia.
The Beginnings
The syndrome was initially discovered by an Educational
Psychologist named Helen Irlen. This occurred during the 1980s when she was
working with adult learners in California. She noticed that some of her
students experienced improved reading abilities when they utilized a colored
overlay to cover the printed page.
Treatment
If you have dyslexia, you would need to undergo the patented
treatment method, which involves using specially designed colored overlays or
lenses. These overlays or lenses can be worn as glasses or contact lenses. When
you use them, you may experience a decrease or even complete elimination of
perceptual difficulties.
The program they offer is created with the aim of meeting the
requirements of individuals who face challenges with learning, such as ADHD,
autism, dyslexia, and other conditions that can hinder their ability to
effectively perform in various settings including the workplace, classroom, and
social environments.
Symptoms
Certain indications of this syndrome include difficulties in
understanding written text, reading in low lighting conditions, misinterpreting
words, skipping words or lines while reading, reading slowly or with
hesitation, and actively avoiding engaging in reading.
When someone with this condition reads, they may experience
various issues including eye strain, exhaustion, sleepiness, headaches, and
feelings of nausea. Additionally, they may appear agitated or anxious while
engaging in the activity.
When it comes to writing, you might encounter difficulties in
reproducing words, experiencing uneven gaps between characters, writing in an
upward or downward manner, and inconsistency in how words are spelled.
When utilizing the computer, you may also encounter tiredness
and tension. It is possible to experience challenges while deciphering musical
notations, and mathematical errors often arise due to carelessness.
Additionally, numbers written in columns tend to be misarranged.
One clear indication, however, is the impact of the syndrome on
your ability to judge depth. You frequently exhibit clumsiness and struggle
with sports that require catching balls. Additionally, you may encounter
challenges in accurately assessing distances.
When individuals with dyslexia receive treatment, it often fails
because they also have Irlen Syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo an
evaluation for this condition alongside dyslexia.
