Who We Help:
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. The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome are wide-ranging, but our technology focuses on one core problem: the brain’s inability to process visual information. You don’t have to have a diagnosed reading or learning problem benefit from the Irlen Method. Even good readers and gifted students can be helped.
Gifted and Average Students with Good Reading Skills:
- Spend longer to complete homework
- Physical complaints of headaches, strain, or tiredness when reading or at school
- Avoid reading or reading for pleasure
- Does poorly on timed tests or standardised 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
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
- Other problems may exist and instruction or remediation may be necessary
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/HD):
There are 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 glaring
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.