Irlen™ Syndrome

Irlen™ Syndrome, also known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, is a perceptual processing disorder caused by the brain's inability to process specific wavelengths of light.

Irlen™ SYNDROME AFFECTS:

• 12-14% of the general population
• 46% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties
• 33% with ADD/ADHD
• 33% with autism
• 55% with head injury, concussion or whiplash

STRESS and Irlen™ SYNDROME

People with Irlen™ Syndrome:

• Live with higher than normal stress
• Visual perceptual system is not normal
• Miss or perceive things differently, which is often interpreted as stupidity or incompetence
• Mistakes are made several times a week or sometimes several times a day with most not knowing why (Irvine, J.H. 1997)

THE USE OF Irlen™ COLOR INTERVENTION:

• Changes perception
• Reduces/relieves physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, stomachaches and fatigue
• Improves feelings of calmness and general well being
• Increases ability to handle paperwork, complete reading and work assignments and participate in daily activities
• Increases likelihood of appropriate reactions to difficult situations
• Increases sense of competency
• Increases feelings of self-worth

Irlen™ COLOR INTERVENTION helps children and adults suffering from reading and learning problems including:

• ADD/ADHD, Autism and Aspergers Syndrome
• Behavioral and Emotional Problems
• Migraines, IBS, fatigue and other physical symptoms
• Light Sensitivity/Photophobia
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), whiplash, and concussion
• Certain medical and visual conditions

*SPECT SCAN FINDINGS:
(*Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography)
SPECT scans of the brains of people with Irlen™ SYNDROME indicate:

• Cortex perfusion consistent with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Increased thalamic-limbic perfusion consistent with Mood Swings
• Decreased perfusion in prefrontal cortex associated with ADD/ADHD
• Increase in basal ganglia perfusion and insular cortex consistent with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Increased perfusion in anterior cingulate, basal ganglia and limbic systems associated with PTSD (Dobrin, R. 2005)

Irlen™ LESSONS from SPECT:

• Spectrum Subtype
• Genetic Component
• Can be result of TBI
• Head Injuries can worsen Irlen™ symptoms
• High correlation with mood swings and depression
• Irlen™ Syndrome worsens mood disorders and contributes to anxiety disorders; can lead to self medication with alcohol and other drugs
• Stress induced by visual onslaught of light increases susceptibility to physical symptoms and fatigue (Dobrin, R. 2005)

For Screening information please contact:
Irlen@drgaybentre.com or 401-207-4670

For additional information on Irlen™ Syndrome:
www.Irlensyndrome.org/research
www.Irlen.com