Reading Problems • Headaches • Light Sensitivity • Autism Spectrum • ADHD + ADD • Dyslexia
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder. It is the brain’s inability to process visual information.
Irlen Syndrome affects a large portion of the population. While it is especially prevalent in students with learning and reading difficulties, it also affects a significant portion of gifted students and good readers.
It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the ability to process visual information. Irlen syndrome affects an estimated 12-14% of the general population including gifted students and good readers.
Irlen Syndrome can affect academic performance in areas such as copying, writing, math calculations. Spelling and computer use. Attention, concentration, performance, and motivation may also be affected.
When Irlen Syndrome goes undetected, some individuals may be viewed as underachievers with behavioural, attitudinal, emotional, or motivational problems. Others may appear bright, but because they are not achieving up to their potential, they are often seen as “lazy” or as “not trying hard enough”.
Irlen Syndrome Sample Print Distortion
Things Everyone Should Know About Irlen Syndrome
What to look for?
General reading, writing and behavioural characteristics. Problems include, but are not limited to:
General Reading Characteristics
- Read in dim light
- Skips words or lines
- Read slowly and hesitantly
- Read with increasing errors
- Read with poor comprehension
- Read at a slow rate
- Unable to read continuously
- Misreads words
- Tracks poorly
- Avoids reading
Mathematic Problems
- Make sloppy, careless errors
- Misalign numbers in columns
Attention and Concentration
- Easily distracted
- Problems starting or staying on task
- Daydreams
General Writing Characteristics
- Writes up or downhill
- Writes with unequal spacing
- Makes errors when copying
Musical Problems
- Has difficulty reading music
- Plays better by ear
- Memorizes rather than read
Complaints while reading
- Strain or fatigue
- Headaches or Nausea
- Tiredness
- Eyes red or watery
- Indistinct print
- Background uncomfortably bright
Depth Perception/ Gross Motor
- Clumsy and uncoordinated
- Difficulty judging distances
- Difficulty with ball sports
Can colour help you?
Take a self-test.
The Irlen Method is non-invasive technology that uses coloured overlays and tinted lenses in the form of glasses to improve the brain’s ability to process visual information.
About the Irlen Method
Backed by over 40 years of research, Irlen is the pioneer and global leader in spectral filter colour lens technology.
Known by names, including Irlen Syndrome, visual stress, and scotopic sensitivity, the symptoms than can be helped with colour are wide-ranging and appear in many different populations, including those with migraines, brain injury concussion, ADHD, ADD, autism and learning difficulties and many other light-based difficulties by directly addressing a core problem; the brain’s inability to process visual information and specific wavelengths of light.
The Irlen Method is a straight forward solution that offers immediate results.
About Marietha Nel
Certified Diagnostician
Martelean Venter holds the distinction of being the first Irlen diagnostician in South Africa. Under her expert guidance, Marietha Nel received comprehensive training, which ultimately led to Marietha becoming a certified diagnostician herself. Since 2019, Marietha has undergone intensive training, paving the way for her successful career as a diagnostician.
Marietha practices mainly in Limpopo with her office in Polokwane.
“When all barriers and challenges are addressed, pupils can truly strive and reach their full potential. Without the weight of obstacles holding them back, they can focus on learning and growing.”
Marietha Nel
Certified Diagnostician
“I am deeply committed to ensuring all students/people can thrive, especially those facing learning barriers. I believe in integrating learning in a way that focuses on mastering skills, concepts, attitudes, and values.”
Book a diagnostic test at the Polokwane Irlen centre today.
An Irlen Assessment can be life changing.
Call Marietha on 082 936 8330 or email her marietha@flinkdink.org.za to book your test our use the online contact form.
Contact
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