Irlen Syndrome / Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome:

What is an Irlen Syndrome Screening?

Irlen Syndrome screening and testing are provided for people who have difficulty with reading, learning difficulties, low motivation, ADD, headaches, autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or difficulty with focusing due to changes with age.

What is Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing problem, where certain colors of the light spectrum tend to irritate the brain. It is not a problem with the eyes. It is a problem with the way the brain processes visual information.

In Irlen Syndrome, the brain struggles to make sense of the visual information it receives. This causes a variety of symptoms from light sensitivity and visual distortions to physical symptoms like headaches, migraines, strain and fatigue, difficulty attending, and problems with depth perception. Certain environments and situations, such as bright and fluorescent lighting, can make symptoms worse, and symptoms can be different in different people.

Understanding the depth and breadth of the impact Irlen Syndrome can have is key to successfully addressing the condition and removing it as a barrier to learning.

Irlen Syndrome is a neurologic condition resulting in an over-active or over-stimulated brain. This extra brain activity affects lots of different areas of functioning including: health and well-being, attention, concentration, behavior, depth perception, and academic performance. The impact on academic performance isn’t restricted to reading; the condition can also affect math computation, handwriting, copying, and even listening. It can affect behavior in the classroom, how long a child can stay focused, and how quickly a child can get work done. It can also have a dramatic effect on how a child feels. It can cause headaches, migraines, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety, and sometimes these physical symptoms can be debilitating. It’s not just about being able to see words clearly.

Common Symptoms:

• Are you light sensitive?

• Are you bothered by reading or looking at a computer screen?

• Do you feel strain, fatigue or have constant headaches?

• Do you have problems with attention and concentration?

• Do you have problems with handwriting or essay writing?

• Do you have problems while driving?

• Do you have low motivation for reading, math or writing activities?

• Have you noticed changes as you age or from a head injury in your ability to navigate visually?  

Correcting Irlen Syndrome can result in the following improvements:

• Better comprehension

• Read faster and longer

• Improved accuracy

• Reduced strain and fatigue

• Reduced headaches and migraines

• Improved flow and fluency

• Improved motivation

• Improved academic performance

• Better attention and comprehension

• Better self-esteem

Understanding the depth and breadth of the impact Irlen Syndrome can have is key to successfully addressing the condition and removing it as a barrier to learning. If you are wondering if an Irlen Screening can help your child or you, please call our office at 706-447-8700 for more information and/or an appointment.