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The Athlete

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THE ATHLETE

Fueled by ambition, competitive, high-achieving, and disciplined. Always ready to put in the work, physically and mentally. Dreams about game time and glory.

But those headaches from that old concussion that bench him? It might be Irlen Syndrome! Take a self-test to find out.

IRLEN SYNDROME IS A COMMON PERCEPTUAL PROCESSING DISORDER, BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR MISSED BY HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS

As an athlete, you’re tough. You’re taught to push through the pain. And, you’re disciplined. You’ll put in the hours and the hard work to accomplish your goal, no matter what the cost. As someone who seeks optimal performance in everything you do, it’s worth taking a few seconds to see if Irlen Syndrome is affecting your ability to be the best you can be. Check out the list below to see if you’ve been putting up with unnecessary challenges and pain in your life:

  • You suffer from persistent headaches, light sensitivity, or academic challenges as a result of an old concussion or head injury
  • Bright and fluorescent lights in stores, offices, or on the field hurt your eyes
  • You find it difficult to keep up with schoolwork or to succeed academically
  • You’re physically exhausted after a day under fluorescent lights or out in the sun
  • You avoid reading because it’s difficult or uncomfortable
  • Computer screens are uncomfortably bright to look at or give you a headache

These are just a few of the many ways Irlen Syndrome can make an athlete’s life harder than it needs to be!

MORE ABOUT IRLEN SYNDROME

It 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 standardized educational, psychological, optometric, or medical tests. This problem can manifest itself differently for each individual. Irlen Syndrome is not remediable and is often a lifetime barrier to learning and performance.

SIGNS OF IRLEN SYNDROME

  • Light Sensitivity
  • Reading Problems
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Attention and Concentration Problems
  • Strain and Fatigue
  • Problems with Depth Perception
  • Print or Environmental Distortions

More Information About Signs and Symptoms of Irlen Syndrome

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Irlen Syndrome is present in a variety of populations, including individuals identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), discipline problems, headaches and migraines, autism, and traumatic brain injury.  While more common in populations with specific difficulties, such as reading problems and ADHD, even gifted and highly successful individuals can be impacted by this issue – often working harder and suffering more than necessary to succeed.

IRLEN BY THE NUMBERS

  • 14 % General population
  • 46% Individuals with reading or learning difficulties, including dyslexia
  • 35% Individuals who have suffered TBI or concussion
  • 33% Individuals on the autism spectrum
  • 33% Individuals with attention and concentration problems, including ADHD
  • Individuals with medically resistant headaches and migraines (incidence data not yet available)