Irlen syndrome is the brain’s inability to process certain frequencies of light waves or colors. About half of those affected are genetically determined, but it can also be the result of brain injury, high fever, or a viral infection.
Irlen syndrome was first described in the 1980s. How do you help someone who is struggling with it? Some changes need to be made to her environment such as:
– use of natural light
– the use of colored optical glasses
– using colored paper to learn to read
– extra time for reading tasks
– more frequent breaks in the study
– use a ruler to make it easier to follow the words while reading.
Scientists say 100 of the 600 people surveyed currently suffer from this condition. It cannot be identified by standard psychological, educational or optometric tests.
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