What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a Perceptual Processing Disorder.
It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by standardized educational, psychological, optometric, or medical tests. This problem can manifest itself differently for each individual. Irlen Syndrome is not remediable and is often a lifetime barrier to learning and performance.
What are the signs of Irlen Syndrome?
- Light Sensitivity
- Reading Problems
- Headaches and Migraines
- Attention and Concentration Problems
- Strain and Fatigue
- Problems with Depth Perception
- Print or Environmental Distortions
Who is affected?
Irlen Syndrome is present in a variety of populations, including individuals identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), discipline problems, headaches and migraines, autism, and traumatic brain injury. While more common in populations with specific difficulties, such as reading problems and ADHD, even gifted and highly successful individuals can be impacted by this issue – often working harder and suffering more than necessary to succeed.
Irlen Syndrome By The Numbers:
- 14 % General population
- 46% Individuals with reading or learning difficulties, including dyslexia
- 35% Individuals who have suffered TBI or concussion
- 33% Individuals on the autism spectrum
- 33% Individuals with attention and concentration problems, including ADHD
- Individuals with medically resistant headaches and migraines (incidence data not yet available)
Sample Distortion of Irlen Syndrome Video
Irlen Syndrome and dyslexia have a high comorbidity rate, with approximately 30% to 50% of individuals with dyslexia also experiencing Irlen Syndrome. While they are separate conditions, their overlapping reading difficulties mean many individuals struggle with both simultaneously, or are misdiagnosed with dyslexia when they primarily have Irlen Syndrome.
What are the Characteristics of Dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome?
Unique to Dyslexia:
- Difficulty recalling letters and spelling
- Problems with phonological awareness
- Substituting words with incorrect ones
- Poor comprehension of figurative language
- Inconsistent word recognition
- Inaccurate word stress and pronunciation
- Math difficulties related to sequencing or orientation
- Problems with laterality
- Disorientation in space/time (e.g. left/right confustion)
- Delayed language development
Shared Characteristics:
- Difficulty reading fluently
- Slow reading
- Fatigue
- Poor reading comprehension
- Skipping letters/words
- Reading inefficency
- Recall issues with sounds or letters
Unique to Irlen Syndrome:
- Sensitivity to light
- Headaches, eye strain, nausea
- Text and/or background distortion (e.g. blurring, shimmering, flickering).
- Difficulty maintaining posture or sitting still
- Light-triggered dizziness or disorientation
- Improved symptoms with colored filters or overlays.
Where can you get more information about Irlen Syndrome?
Please visit www.irlen.com with self-tests and a listing of Irlen Diagnosticians near you.
Melissa Sawulak, one of our teachers and our advocate here at WNY Dyslexia Specialists, is the only Irlen Diagnostician in New York State. If you would like your child, or yourself to be screened for Irlen Syndrome, please call us at (716) 541-0331 or email us at hello@wnydyslexiaspecialists.com, and we will put you in touch with Melissa.