What is the Irlen Method?

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 Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder caused by the brain's inability to process specific wavelengths of light. The symptoms are wide-ranging, but the Irlen Method 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. If you or your child are struggling with any of the below challenges I can help you determine wether the Irlen Method would benefit you and if so, provide you with tools and recommendations for improving these areas of your life.

Who Can Benefit?

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
Avoids reading or reading for pleasure
Does poorly on timed tests or standardized 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
12-14% can be helped by the Irlen Method

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
46% of this population can be helped by the Irlen Method
Other problems may exist and instruction or remediation may be necessary

Learn more about the Irlen Method & Dyslexia
Learn more about the Irlen Method & Reading Problems

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/HD):

There is 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

Learn more about the Irlen Method & ADD/HD

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 glary

Learn more about the Irlen Method & Headaches and Migraines

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.

Autism and Asperger Syndrome:

Approximately 50% of those with Autism and Asperger Syndrome have the following types of difficulties which can by helped by the Irlen Method:

Looks in a series of short glances
Looks away from visual targets
Squints or looks down
Finger flicks
Sideway glances
Poor eye contact
Rubs or pushes on eyes
Mesmerized by colors, patterns, or light
Behavior changes in bright lights or sunlight
Poor spatial or body awareness
Light sensitivity
Difficulties with stairs, escalators, or catching balls
Poor small or gross motor coordination

Learn more about the Irlen Method and Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Traumatic Brain Injuries, Head Injuries, Concussions and Whiplash:

35% of people suffering from these conditions have the following symptoms which can be helped:

Reading. Problems reading because of a change in clarity or stability of the print.
Sustained Attention and Concentration. Problems with ease and comfort reading and doing other visual activities
Light Sensitivity. Individuals become light sensitive. This makes going outside, being in bright lighting or fluorescent lighting, and driving at night uncomfortable or stressful.
Physical Symptoms. Experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, or stomachaches. The severity of these physical symptoms is often increased by sunlight, bright lighting, reading, and other visually-intensive activities.
Depth Perception. Problems with activities that require the ability to judge depth or spatial relationships.
Fatigue. General sense of being tired and fatigued.
Neurological Problems. Light-induced seizures, tremors, or other similar problems.

Learn more about the Irlen Method and Traumatic Head Injuries

Psychological, Medical and Visual Problems:

The following are a sampling of some conditions whose symptoms include light sensitivity, processing difficulties, and sensory overload and which have been helped by the Irlen Method:

Low Vision/Visually Impaired
Light-Induced Epilepsy
Depression
Anxiety
Strokes
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Auto Immune Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebral Palsy
Fibromyalgia
Viral Illnesses
Tourette Syndrome
Lyme Disease
Agoraphobia

Learn more about the Irlen Method and Brain Research
Visit the Self Test section to see if you can benefit from the Irlen Method

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