Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome, or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, was first identified by Educational Psychologist Helen Irlen while she was working with adult learners in the early 1980's. Until described in her book, Reading by the Colors (Avery Press, 1991), there was no explanation or treatment for this perceptual disorder. Many people with this disorder were misdiagnosed as dyslexic or slow learners. In 1991, Dr. Margaret S. Livingstone of Harvard Medical School published research which offered a medical explanation for this disorder.

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome perceive the printed page and/or their environment differently. If they are severely affected, they must constantly make adaptations or compensate. Individuals are often unaware of the extra energy and effort they are putting into reading and perception.

Reading may be slow and inefficient, or there may be poor comprehension, strain, or fatigue. Irlen Syndrome can also affect attention span, listening, energy level, motivation, work production, and mental health.

People with Irlen Syndrome are often seen as underachievers or as having behavioural, attitudinal, or motivational problems. Irlen Syndrome can also coexist with other learning problems, such as attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, or autism. Treatment for Irlen Syndrome may lessen many of the symptoms of these disorders.

Some students that Linwood College Toe by Toe tutors have been working with over the year have shown excitement and surprise about what they can see when coloured cellophane is put over the page.

For some, they read faster and they say things like "it stops the letters moving around" or "now there is no bright white halo around the words".

For others (the majority) it makes no difference at all.

There are some students however, who would benefit from assessment for Irlens Syndrome.

What is Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen is a specific type of perceptual problem. It can cause light sensitivity; poor depth perception; eyestrain; attention deficit disorders; contrast and colour sensitivity; restricted span; inefficient reading and distortions on the printed page and in the environment. It is not a vision problem and is not corrected by prescription glasses. Irlen Syndrome can affect people of all ages. Children are most at risk because their educational progress is affected. Irlen Syndrome can be a huge barrier to learning for a significant number of children.. However, adults can be severely affected because of factors in their daily life and in their working environment. Many children and adults can benefit from using coloured overlays or coloured lenses for reading difficulties and perceptual difficulties.