Irlen screening the first stage

Stage 1 – The Irlen screener that’s me J

I have been screening for many years now, all individuals are different. Most cope well with the process of screening very well, but some need breaks or more than one appointment. Although it is preferable to screen using natural and artificial lighting as this often triggers the symptoms needed for testing, highly light sensitive clients can require the lighting to be quite dim.

In my early days as a screener I tested a girl at a local school. I had almost finished and then realised I hadn’t put the lights on. This then resulted in a whole host of symptoms that I would not have detected. Luckily I had realised my mistake, I didn’t make the same error again.

I have witnessed many experiences of how children and adults have progressed, using the Irlen method some with overlays and adaptations to the environment. The progression to Irlen filters however is even more significant.

Special care needs to be taken of body language as this can often shows a lot that is not being verbalised. At this point as there is nothing for the client to liken their experiences to. They often do not fully appreciate the extent of the distortion or discomfort that they are experiencing and need reassurance that what they experience is “ok” and many others experience these feelings and problems as well.

Care and consideration whilst testing also needs to be taken regarding how the child feels, I find watching the facial colour is crucial. The distortion can make individuals feel nauseous and dizzy.

Irlen Screening determines whether or not colour can make a difference and whether the improvement will be slight, moderate, or significant. Only individuals for whom colour will make a moderate to significant difference are referred onto the second stage. Additionally, you find out the areas that can improve with Irlen Spectral Filters. This information will be passed on to the diagnostician who carries out the diagnostic lens assessment.

Irlen Screening involves a set of tasks that are designed to elicit the area of physical symptoms and distortions that Irlen can address. .In the final part of the screening, the Irlen Screener can identify what coloured overlay or combination of overlays works to greatly reduce or eliminate your symptoms and allow you to read more easily, for longer, with better comfort. The final colour choice will not always eliminate all the distortion and discomfort experienced, but will in most cases give improvements. I have personally screened two cousins that had a combination of the same seven colours each one as a further layer added giving them more clarity and comfort.

Once the Irlen screening is carried out a short consultation will take place. During this time the findings will be discussed and further recommendations made if necessary. My paperwork will be forwarded to the Irlen diagnostician as a starting point and aid to the writing of the full Irlen report.

Irlen is often more than reading. Irlen Spectral Filters help alleviate the brains sensitivity to light: fluorescent light sunlight, headlights improves depth perception provides maximum benefit when reading copying from the board or screen mathematics and other academic tasks.