Irlen Syndrome (scotopic sensitivity syndrome)
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
April 6, 2007 4:45pm CST
For many people with dyslexia, they have scotopic sensitivity syndrome as well.
Just this week I was tested, and it turns out that in my case it is severe. Now that I am reading with a colored overlay, there is an amazing difference and I'm reading everything I can get my hands on.
If you or your kid struggle with reading, this is definitely something to look into. I wrote a short article about it here with a link to more information as well: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/185704/irlen_syndrome_what_is_it_and_who_could.html
3 responses
@jolmartyn (129)
•
14 Apr 07
At the college I work, we take this very seriously. I think it is a mistake to completely connect the two. Dyslexia and Irlen) of course the two are linked. There are other reasons that coloured overlays can help. People with epilepsy. AdDD, ADHD. There is no reason why we have to leave out people who just don't like black on white either. I actually want to write a full sized treatise on this topic. But there are one or two things to consider. !. Dyslexia has now been acknowledged as a real issue and people are considerably more aware of some of the other issues, Poor sense of time, disorganisation. A particular issue which I have been looking into, and getting myself in hot water with the college authorities over, is the use of white boards. This is a comparatively new phenomenon. (5 years or so) First we have the old black on white stuff. The angle is generally flat against the wall. The glare from the ceilng lights reflects exactly into the students eyes. When I was teaching in the old days Chalk on a blackboard never had any of these issues.
This is mentioned by Arthur Wilkens. Talking to students I know it to be true. IT is possible to get overlays and a testing kit from:
http://www.crossboweducation.com/
They have an USA store as well as a UK store too. Any other comments happy to talk to you about
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
15 Apr 07
Good point, dyslexia isn't always linked with Irlen Syndrome, it's just a common connection. Even good readers who aren't dyslexic may have Irlen Syndrome.
White boards are horrible. I can't even take notes from them most of the time. Some of our classrooms still have chalkboards, but the majority have white boards (ugh). I heard they make grey ones too, but I've never seen those.
@jolmartyn (129)
•
16 Apr 07
I was trying to suggest that they were tilted downwards from the top. There is generally a better place to sit in the classroom too. When you have the fluorescents and the windows too, it can cause a lot of visual confusion too.
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
6 Apr 07
I just read your article. How very interesting. I have never heard of this syndrome. I have a friend and both she and her son have issues with reading and dyslexia. I am forwarding her the link. Thank you for such an informative post. I'm glad that you found out a way to allow you to read as you wish!
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
7 Apr 07
Thanks, I really hope it is helpful.
My friend that told me about it improved so much with the colored filters that she bought a bunch of copies of the book and gives them out to anyone she thinks might be affected. So that's how I found out about it, and it took me a long time to read the book, but I finally read it. And then I set up an appointment and went in. :)
I can't quite afford to buy a bunch of copies of the book to spread the word, but I figured I could at least write about it.
