What is Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual problem that keeps many people from reading efficiently. Many times a person goes undiagnosed because it is undetected by standard visual, educational, or medical exams.

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome perceive the printed page differently and must constantly adapt to distortions from print or the background. They may suffer from slow or inefficient reading, poor comprehension, strain or fatigue. It can also affect attention span, energy level, motivation, handwriting, and depth perception. Irlen Syndrome sufferers may be seen as underachievers with behavior, attitude or motivation problems. It is a complex and variable condition sometimes found to co-exist with learning disabilities.

 Irlen Syndrome is also found in those who suffer from migraines, light sensitivity, fatigue, eye strain, and low self esteem.

The Irlen Method as a Treatment

The Irlen Method was first identified by Educational Psychologist, Helen Irlen, while she was working as Director of the Adult Learning Disability Program at CSULB in the early 1980's. Her research revealed that some students' reading improved when a colored plastic sheet was placed on text. She developed a patented treatment method which uses colored filters, worn as glasses or contacts, or plastic sheets, known as overlays to reduce or eliminate the perceptual difficulties affecting reading. For more information on the Irlen Method or Helen's book, Reading by the Colors, please visit www.Irlen.com.

For testing for the Irlen Method, contact Jeri for more information and appointment times.

Jeri offers the training that over 4,000 educators have taken to provide initial screening and testing for Irlen Syndrome. Please contact Jeri for more information on training.

Jeri LaVigne
678-886-5996
jeri.lavigne@comcast.net

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