What is Irlen?
Is your child struggling with reading, concentration, or headaches when looking at a page? It could be Irlen Syndrome. Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing difficulty that can affect how people perceive light, print, and patterns. It’s not an eyesight problem, but it can cause:
Headaches or eye strain when reading
Difficulty tracking words on a page
Sensitivity to bright lights or white backgrounds
Poor attention span or fatigue during schoolwork
Our trained Irlen Screeners can help identify whether your child may benefit from coloured overlays or other visual supports that can make reading and learning easier.
What happens during screening?
During an Irlen screening, your child will work one-to-one with a trained Irlen Screener in a calm, supportive setting. The session begins with a short discussion about any difficulties they may be having with reading, concentration, or visual comfort. Then, a series of visual tasks are carried out to assess how their brain processes light and printed text. These tasks are designed to identify any signs of visual stress, distortions, or sensitivity to contrast and brightness. If the screener identifies indicators of Irlen Syndrome, your child will be guided through a process of testing various coloured overlays to see if any reduce the symptoms or improve clarity and comfort. The session ends with a clear summary of the findings and, if appropriate, a recommendation for using overlays or seeking further assessment with a certified Irlen diagnostician. The aim is to make reading and learning feel easier and less tiring for your child.
