Irlen Syndrome is a condition many have not heard of prior to a conversation with our office. This is not because they have not done proper research or have not tried to get answers for their/their child's difficulties, but typically it is because it is a relatively unheard of condition.
Not only is Irlen Syndrome a condition many have not heard about, it is also a condition some have debated as far as whether or not it is "real." If you have experienced, or have a child who has experienced, any condition which isn't "mainstream," you likely are not new to this kind of debate. We can say, those who have been screened in our office, and subsequently helped with the proper colored overlays ... will tell you it DOES exist and the colored overlays DO help ... a lot ... sometimes a life-changing amount!
So WHAT IS Irlen Syndrome!? Irlen Syndrome is generally considered to be a disorder impacting the brain, resulting in potentially significant reading difficulties for the individual suffering with it. For example ... some, when looking at a page with words on it, may see the words/letters moving around, some may see the letters/words in a swirl-like pattern, some may experience letters/words being doubled, blurred, or a number of other potential distortions.
It is difficult to identify because to the individual with Irlen Syndrome, what they perceive, is normal. They assume that if they see the words/letters moving or "running around the page," that's what everyone sees! There is often shame, embarrassment, and many other things that come with it ... why are THEY struggling so much to read when everyone else seems to just get it? They also have difficulty expressing what they are seeing or experiencing because again, to them THIS IS NORMAL, even though to many it sounds almost crazy.
This is not dyslexia, although the two conditions can co-exist together, there are times when a person has been diagnosed with dyslexia when it is actually Irlen Syndrome. Additionally, there seems to be a hereditary pattern.
In addition to the reading difficulties, many experience headaches, fatigue, migraines, tics, and a variety of other physical symptoms. They may prefer to read in a dimly lit room, or just do not read at all for "fun," they don't like reading because it is very difficult for them and makes them feel like rubbish.
Dr. Adams is a certified Irlen Syndrome Screener. This means she is able to do some relatively simple testing to see if an individual has Irlen Syndrome, and she is able to help identify a specific combination of overlays which offer relief and help for the individual.
We have seen adults in their 60's be able to read comfortably for the first time. Seen children who have gone from struggling with reading, hating it ... to enjoying it and making significant progress, within a couple weeks. We have even seen adults in tears because they realize that they were not imaging their difficulties, there is a reason, there is an answer, and there is help, and they can now read more comfortably.
Irlen Syndrome Screening is available for everyone, whether or not you are a patient otherwise in our office, and there is no pressure to become a patient if you are not currently seen in our office for another reason. As of November, 2024, there is an initial questionnaire and a brief phone call, both offered at no cost (this is subject to change at any time). If you have questions or would like to inquire about Irlen Syndrome Screening for yourself or your child, please give us a call at 434 922 1900, we would love to help others!
This is not medical advice, always ask a chiropractor if chiropractic care is appropriate for you, and your preferred healthcare provider before making dietary, supplement, or lifestyle changes
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