Irlen Syndrome: Does maturation help with reading?

Irlen Syndrome: Does maturation help with reading?: "The amount of required reading increases each year for children in school. A proficient reader can usually handle those increases. But for p..."

Does maturation help with reading?

The amount of required reading increases each year for children in school. A proficient reader can usually handle those increases. But for people who are spectrally sensitive, the obstacle to efficient reading is always them. It doesn't change. Their skills, the length of time they can read, and their efficiency do not improve as they mature. No matter how much they try to work on their reading, they can't improve. (Helen Irlen)

Irlen Syndrome: Interview with a student with Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome: Interview with a student with Irlen Syndrome: "Visit this YouTube link to see an interview on abc4 News with Drew, a student with Irlen who talks about what it was like before he got the ..."

Interview with a student with Irlen Syndrome

Visit this YouTube link to see an interview on abc4 News with Drew, a student with Irlen who talks about what it was like before he got the Irlen filters and how his life is so different now with the glasses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyyLW7gsfjQ&feature=related

Irlen Syndrome: Agencies that Officially Recognise the Irlen Metho...

Irlen Syndrome: Agencies that Officially Recognise the Irlen Metho...: "The following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: Recording for the Blind, SAT, ACT, LSAT, Illinoi..."

Agencies that Officially Recognise the Irlen Method

The following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: Recording for the Blind, SAT, ACT, LSAT, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Indiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Texas Commission for the Blind, Nevada Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Wisconsin Vocational Rehabilitation.

In Australia, the following are a sampling of agencies which have officially recognized the Irlen Method: Department of Employment, Education & Training, Departments of Army, Navy and Air Force, Board of Studies-NSW, Board of Secondary Education-WA, Department of Children’s Services-WA, Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), Department of Rehabilitation, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

http://www.dyslexiaservices.com.au/

Helen Irlen talking on blogtalk radio about the Irlen Method

Should you wish to listen to the podcast of Helen Irlen on BlogTalkRadio,
please visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/colortherapy. Scroll down until
you see Feature Episodes on the right column. Go to the bottom of this gray
colored section and press "Play." There will be 3 minutes of music before
the interview starts. Please tweet this or share this with others who need
to know about the Irlen Method. This may only be available for the next few
days.

Irlen Syndrome: Reading by the Colours

Irlen Syndrome: Reading by the Colours: "Millions of adults and children around the world have difficulty reading words on a page. Individuals with SSS - Scotopic Sensitivity Syndro..."

Reading by the Colours

Millions of adults and children around the world have difficulty reading words on a page. Individuals with SSS - Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, perceive the world differently as a result of a sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light. Light is the basic component of the perceptual system . SSS is not a definitive answer for individuals with reading difficulties, but it's certainly worth investigating.
http://www.dyslexiaservices.com.au/

Irlen Syndrome: This is why we do what we do!

Irlen Syndrome: This is why we do what we do!: "I have been working with a student from my school for many years now, trying various reading interventions that have not been as succe..."

This is why we do what we do!

I have been working with a student from my school for many years now, trying various reading interventions that have not been as successful as I had hoped. It is so wonderful when finally, you are able to make a diagnosis for these children and be able to hear them reading in a phrased and fluent way. It is so humbling when families are appreciative of everything that you do...

What is the best coloured paper to use for individuals with Irlen Syndrome?

The Irlen/Dyslexia Centre in Australia recommends using light blue Reflex paper for handouts and worksheets. This helps reduce stress, fatigue and headaches for people with Irlen Syndrome. Individuals with Irlen Syndrome see the printed page differently from those with normal vision and must constantly adapt to distortions appearing on the printed page. Using a light blue coloured paper may assist individuals when reading words on a page.

Irlen Syndrome: Irlen Syndrome- A Teen's Summary

Irlen Syndrome: Irlen Syndrome- A Teen's Summary: "Have you seen David Accola's video on YouTube about Irlen? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N5qbMFtKQ4"

Irlen Syndrome- A Teen's Summary

Have you seen David Accola's video on YouTube about Irlen? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N5qbMFtKQ4

Do you or someone you know have difficulty reading?

I've taken these questions from the book 'Reading by the Colors' written by Helen Irlen, the founder and executive director of The Irlen Institute for Perceptual and Learning Difficulties.
If you or someone you know has difficulty reading, why not answer the following questions:

1. Do you skip words or lines when reading?
2. Do you reread lines?
3. Do you lose your place?
4. Are you easily distracted when reading?
5. Do you need to take breaks often?
6. Do you get headaches when you read?
7. Do your eyes get red and watery?
8. Does reading make you tired?
9. Do you blink or squint?
10. Do you prefer to read in a dim light?
11. Do you read close to the page?
12. Do you use your finger or other markers?
13. Do you get restless, active, or fidgety when reading?

If you answered yes to three or more of the above questions, then you MAY be experiencing the effects of Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome - Irlen Syndrome, which can greatly interfere with your ability to read words on the page.
Please email me or post a comment or alternatively you might like to visit the following web site for more information:

http://www.dyslexiaservices.com.au/

Irlen Syndrome: Do Irlen lenses help you to sing?

Irlen Syndrome: Do Irlen lenses help you to sing?: "Does Irlen Syndrome affect the ability to sing? I had not heard of this until I read this article. I have posted it here for you to have a l..."

Do Irlen lenses help you to sing?

Does Irlen Syndrome affect the ability to sing? I had not heard of this until I read this article. I have posted it here for you to have a look. What do you think?

Effects of Light on Audio Perception:  "Tone Blind"

“I have only been aware of the effects of light on audio perception for a little over a month now; and as my expertise is primarily in the area of vocal training and education, "What's my singing got to do with my eyes?” is usually the question I'm asked.

The concept that wearing a pair of glasses with special lenses will help improve singing is a little difficult for most people to grasp.  My observations are very interesting and exciting.  The results vary from student to student; but in the main, the light reduction not only aids them to sing in tune with confidence and greatly increased awareness of their musical goal, but also to be able to "hear" when they are "out" of tune.  For some of these students, it would appear that this is the very first time they have had any real awareness of the sounds they are making as they are singing.  They simply have great difficulty "hearing" what they are doing while they are actually vocalising.”  Sussane Towers, Diploma Operatic Arts & Music Theatre Director

Interesting isn't it. Do you have anything to add to this article. I would love you to share your comments.

Cheers

Christine

Irlen Syndrome: The Irlen Revolution

Irlen Syndrome: The Irlen Revolution: "School Psychologist Response to CriticsI am in my 31st year as a school psychologist. I am so grateful to have learned of the Irlen Method ..."

The Irlen Revolution

School Psychologist Response to Critics

I am in my 31^st year as a school psychologist.  I am so grateful to have learned of the Irlen Method relatively early on in my career.  Like you, I was very skeptical when I first heard of this process.  It sounded too easy; another educational fad.  Fortunately, I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the difference identification and treatment can make for someone who has this visual-perceptual disorder.

In my school system, we have seen test scores increase significantly when students are regularly screened for this problem.  In addition, teachers report that the attitude their students have toward reading has greatly improved; students come to class eager to read.

The local community college now has students complete a Reading Strategies Questionnaire when they enroll in the Adult Basic Skills Program.  The questionnaire helps identify students who need to be screened so that they can use a colored overlay, if needed, to take their placement tests.  This process was implemented after test administrators saw test scores improve anywhere from 1.3 to 6.5 grade levels (as measured by the TABE) for students who had originally failed the test.  (The students were screened after they failed the test, given an overlay, and took a second form of the test.  No instruction was provided in the interim.)

By the way, students are allowed to use colored overlays on the GED in addition to other placement tests.  They are allowed on End of Grade and End of Course tests in North Carolina.  They are allowed on tests such as the SAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc., with prior documentation.

There is now a great deal of research documenting the effectiveness of this process.  Among the most exciting are SPEC scans documenting the differences in brain functioning and the improvements made with color modification.

I have worked with the Irlen Method for over 20 years now.  During that time, I have met many, many individuals who have suffered needlessly because this simple screening was not made available to them.  This process should be available in all schools.  I encourage everyone in this field to keep an open mind and look further into this process.

Susan Youngman,School Psychologist

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, North Carolina

Latest Developments in Germany

Latest Developments in Germany

Dorothee Perpeet, Germany Clinic Director, writes that one of her parents found the changes that his son experienced with his Irlen Spectral Filters exceeded expectations.  As a result, the father is going to give a talk about Irlen Spectral Filters to his colleagues at the University of Heildelberg, Research Department of the Childrens Hospital.

Irlen Syndrome: Irlen Updates

Irlen Syndrome: Irlen Updates: "Irlen Approaches the Minister of Education in NassauLast month Linda Osborn, Irlen Clinic Director Bahamas, was able to personally give a pr..."

Irlen Updates

Irlen Approaches the Minister of Education in Nassau

Last month Linda Osborn, Irlen Clinic Director Bahamas, was able to personally give a proposal to the Minister of Education in Nassau which included the following goals:  introduce Irlen Syndrome to the teachers of The Bahamas; train Irlen pre-assessors in all schools; train Irlen screeners in government and private schools; extend the screening network to all Family Islands; establish screening programs in correctional institutions; establish screening programs for adult literacy groups; and establish funding programs to subsidize the cost of Irlen Spectral Filters by charity organizations and insurance companies.  In addition, Linda will be writing an article about Irlen for one of the daily newspapers and has done staff presentations to independent private schools who work outside the Ministry's jurisdiction.  They are very interested in the information

Irlen Syndrome - What is it?

Irlen Syndrome is also referred to as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS). Irlen Syndrome 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 other standardized educational or medical tests. so when you take your child to an Optometrist for a vision assessment, Irlen Syndrome won't be detected. If you have Irlen Syndrome, it can be very debilitating and affects your whole life.
Irlen Syndrome can affect many different areas, including:

• Academic and work performance
• Behavior
• Attention
• Ability to sit still
• Concentration

Irlen Syndrome can affect you in many ways. For example:

• Print looks different
• Environment looks different
• Slow or inefficient reading
• Poor comprehension
• Eye strain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Difficulty with math computation
• Difficulty copying
• Difficulty reading music
• Poor sports performance
• Poor depth-perception
• Low motivation
• Low self-esteem

So what can you do? Like myself, there are Professionals  certified in the Irlen Method and they are located worldwide. The Irlen Method consists of two testing sessions, a screening appointment with an Irlen Screener like myself and then a second appointment for Irlen Spectral Filters by an Irlen Diagnostician. There are yearly filter rechecks.

Please visit the Irlen website in Australia
http://www.dyslexiaservices.com.au/

 Or the internatinal website
http://www.irlen.com/