Irlen Screening- students who have difficulty with fluent reading may be affected by this and screening results in the use of colored overlays that have significantly improved reading and comprehension. This technology can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention, and concentration while reducing light sensitivity. This is not a method of reading instruction. It is a color-based technology that filters out offensive light waves, so the brain can accurately process visual information.
Some symptoms are:
Reading Problems
- Poor comprehension
- Misreads words
- Problems tracking from line to line
- Reads in dim light
- Skips words or lines
- Reads slowly or hesitantly
- Takes breaks
- Loses place
- Avoids reading
Discomfort
- Strain and fatigue
- Tired or sleepy
- Headaches or nausea
- Fidgety or restless
- Eyes that hurt or become watery
Attention and Concentration Problems
- Problems with concentration when reading and doing academic tasks
- Often people can appear to have other conditions, such as attention deficit disorder, and are given medication unnecessarily.
Writing Problems:
- Trouble copying
- Unequal spacing
- Unequal letter size
- Writing up or downhill
- Inconsistent spelling
Other Characteristics:
- Strain or fatigue from computer use
- Difficulty reading music
- Sloppy, careless math errors
- Misaligned numbers in columns
- Ineffective use of study time
- Lack of motivation
- Grades do not reflect the amount of effort
Depth Perception:
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty catching balls
- Difficutly judging distances
- Additional caution necessary while driving
Distortions:
- Words on the page lack clarity or stability; i.e., may appear to be blurry, moving, or disappear.
Susan is a Certified Irlen screener, who works in the Easton Public School system. More information can be found at www.Irlen.com.
