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The Savvy Student

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SAVVY STUDENT

Inspired, prepared, and interested; this kid is ready to take school – and the world – by storm.

But that embarrassing difficulty reading aloud in class? 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

You’re a student – books, papers, computers, it’s all your jam, you got this! But it’s possible that school is harder than it needs to be, that you could finish your assignments faster, that you wouldn’t need to take so many breaks, that your eyes wouldn’t hurt when you try to read, or that you wouldn’t be so exhausted at the end of the day. You’ve probably got so much on your plate that you hardly have time to notice the warning signs of Irlen Syndrome, but it’s worth a few seconds to check out the list below to see if Irlen Syndrome is getting in the way of academic success:

  • Fluorescent lights in the classroom bother your eyes or head
  • You avoid reading because it’s difficult or uncomfortable
  • Your work is routinely disrupted because you have to take a break to rest your eyes or refocus
  • You often have to re-read for comprehension
  • Computer screens and whiteboards are uncomfortably bright to look at or give you a headache
  • Teachers often tell you to just try harder or focus more because they know a smart kid like you could do better if he wanted to

These are just a few of the many ways Irlen Syndrome might be making your 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)