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It is Dyslexia or Irlen Syndrome?

It is important to know that there are a number of different definitions of dyslexia according to where you find the information. NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list.

  • The British Dyslexia Association

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing.

  • The International Dyslexia Association

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. “

Researchers concluded that dyslexia is a difficulty in learning to decode (read aloud) and to spell. DSM5 classifies dyslexia as one form of neurodevelopmental disorder.

 

Can Irlen Syndrome result in Dyslexia?

The distortions below can create a difficulty in reading and writing and can cause the symptoms associated with dyslexia.

IRLEN LENSES REMOVE THESE DISTORTIONS FROM PRINT AND ALLOW CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO PROCESS THE PRINT SUCCESSFULLY.

Harold P Koller, a paediatric ophthalmologist from USA stated that

“Even with perfect eyesight, what we see can be dysfunctional because of faulty brain processing of that which is seen by normal eyes. Abnormal Visual Processing as well as auditory processing disorders eventually lead directly to learning disorders in children and young adults”.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1097/icu.0b013e32835720e2

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic Newcastle - Irlen Diagnostic Clinic

What Is Dyslexia?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the meaning of DYSLEXIA is “a disorder involving difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters and other symbols”.

Can Irlen Syndrome Cause Dyslexia?

Irlen Syndrome is the result of a sensitivity to particular wavelengths of light. This is different for each individual and causes perceptual difficulties when looking at black symbols, print or numbers on white background. It was discovered over twenty years ago by Helen Irlen, a psychologist from California. More information about Irlen Syndrome can be found at  www.irlen.com

How Can I Tell If I Might Have Irlen Syndrome?

Below is a simple quiz that you can do to determine if you might be suffering from the visual perception problem called Irlen Syndrome. If you answered yes to more than 4 of these questions, then it suggests that you may have Irlen Syndrome and that you should consider contacting us via the link at the bottom of the page to have a detailed assessment. 

Or you can take the full self-test

For Irlen Clinics in other areas of Australia, you should visit the website of the Australasian Association of Irlen Consultants.

www.aaic.org.au/ 

Do You Experience Any Of The Following?

  • words blurring, moving, shaking?
  • tiredness after a short time of reading?
  • headaches?
  • sensitivity to light or glare?
  • having to reread lines of print?
  • difficulty maintaining concentration when reading?
  • missing words or lines when reading?
  • difficulty with comprehension?
  • untidy writing?
  • watery, itchy, or stinging eyes when reading?