Reading deficiencies are a major concern in our state. Although the math performance of Massachusetts students has improved on the national level, recent MCAS scores for English indicate that a significant number of our children are not achieving at expected levels. One innovative program that has indicated promise in helping some of these students is screening for Irlen Syndrome.
What is Irlen/Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome?Irlen/Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (IS) is a sensitivity to light, particularly fluorescent light, that can seriously interfere with reading and written language. It can lower test scores and significantly impact a person's ability to function in school and work situations. It can co-exist with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and some behavioral disorders. Research has shown that 46-52% of people who have reading problems can be helped to some degree through the appropriate use of colored overlays. Irlen Syndrome cannot be diagnosed using the standard educational, psycho-educational or speech and language testing or standard vision screening. Fortunately this syndrome is very easy to diagnose and treat using specific colored overlays.
What are the symptoms?Individuals with Irlen Syndrome put more energy and effort into the reading process because they see the printed page differently from the proficient reader. Constant adaptation to distortions from the print or from the white background cause fatigue and discomfort and, more importantly, limits the length of time these individuals can read and maintain comprehension. Symptoms range from subtle to severe.
Light Sensitivity. A sensitivity to glare, brightness and intensity of various lighting conditions especially fluorescent lighting. Reactions may include discomfort, headaches and difficulty concentrating while reading or working under fluorescent lights and driving at night.Difficulty with Print Resolution. The inability to read print easily and free from perceptual distortions, whether involving words, numbers or musical notes. Problems include but are not limited to, print that shifts, moves or disappears.Difficulty with Sustained Attention. Limited concentration while reading, writing or working on a computer. Problems reported include frequent breaks, drowsiness, or becoming restless.Restricted Span of Recognition. The inability to read groups of letters, notes, numbers or words at the same time. Difficulties include an inability to track, identify words, skim or speed read. Comprehension can also be affected.Poor Depth Perception. The inability to judge distances accurately. Problems can include difficulty getting on and off escalators, judging distances when driving, playing ball sports and going up and down stairs.
Light Sensitivity. A sensitivity to glare, brightness and intensity of various lighting conditions especially fluorescent lighting. Reactions may include discomfort, headaches and difficulty concentrating while reading or working under fluorescent lights and driving at night.
Difficulty with Print Resolution. The inability to read print easily and free from perceptual distortions, whether involving words, numbers or musical notes. Problems include but are not limited to, print that shifts, moves or disappears.
Difficulty with Sustained Attention. Limited concentration while reading, writing or working on a computer. Problems reported include frequent breaks, drowsiness, or becoming restless.
Restricted Span of Recognition. The inability to read groups of letters, notes, numbers or words at the same time. Difficulties include an inability to track, identify words, skim or speed read. Comprehension can also be affected.
Poor Depth Perception. The inability to judge distances accurately. Problems can include difficulty getting on and off escalators, judging distances when driving, playing ball sports and going up and down stairs.
How do you test for Irlen Syndrome?The Irlen Screening Method is a very efficient and economical process. The testing is administered individually in 45 minutes, and results are immediately known. Treatment is by using specifically designed inexpensive (less than $5.00) colored overlays. This testing can be given as part of other diagnostic or educational testing, or administered alone. The Irlen Method is currently being used in schools throughout the world.
One study done in the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, identified thirty 4th graders with symptoms of Irlen Syndrome. After being given their appropriate colored overlay, their reading comprehension score showed a 2 year increase in only three months. Another example is that of a low income minority district in Texas (Galena Park). After providing the correct colored overlays to students with Irlen Syndrome, 98 out of 100 students who had previously failed the state competency test were able to pass. In 1993, in the Jurupa School System in Riverside, CA (a district of 17,000 students), Dr. Bill Hendrix, Administrator of Educational Support Services, estimated that the district saved approximately $800,000 a year by screening children for Irlen Syndrome before testing for Special Education.
How do you implement an Irlen Screening Program in your school?The Massachusetts Literacy Project (MLP) is a non profit 501(c) 3 corporation dedicated to improving the literacy skills of our students. MLP has been providing training programs in the Irlen Method for a number of school systems throughout the state.
Training to become an Irlen Screener takes place during a two-day workshop conducted by a Certified Irlen Trainer. The workshop includes theory and history, administration of the tests, scoring and interpretation of test results, reporting test results, treatment procedure using Irlen Colored Overlays, and a practicum in administration, scoring and interpretation.
Who qualifies to be trained to screen for Irlen Syndrome?Educators, Reading Specialists, Resource Room Teachers, Special Education Specialists, School Nurses, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Counselors, Teachers and Diagnosticians can qualify to be trained as Irlen Screeners. Certain other professionals may also qualify on a limited basis. To register for the Training Workshop submit a completed application form, a professional resume, and training fee. If you are not accepted for the training workshop, the entire fee will be returned.
What are the costs?
Research References:Published research citations on Irlen Syndrome are available on the Irlen Institute website: www.Irlen.com