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Information for Psychologists


Irlen Syndrome is a type of dyslexia - a perceptual dysfunction, it is a genetic condition, not an optical problem
.

Disorganised magno cells in the mid-brain region cause a mistiming of the visual message (the information is mis-processed).

These individuals are highly sensitive to certain light frequencies.



AAIC Brief Research Summary
Synopsis: Summary of Irlen research to December 2004.
Source: Australasian Association of Irlen Consultants Inc. 2004.
Authors: Robinson, G.L. and Whiting P.R.

Understanding children's reading difficulties.
Synopsis: Powerpoint file from Max Coltheart's presentation at the 9th International Irlen Conference. Auckland, New Zealand, January 2007.
Author: Max Coltheart, Director, Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

The relationship between dyslexia and Meares-Irlen Syndrome.
Synopsis: Children with dyslexia seem to benefit more from coloured overlays than non-dyslexic children.
MIS and dyslexia are separate entities and are detected and treated in different ways.
Source: Journal of Research in Reading, ISSN 0141-0423
Volume 28, Issue 3, 2005, pp 350-364.
Authors: Kriss, I., and Evans, B.J.W.

Perceptual Dyslexia: It's effect on the military cadre and benefits of treatment.
Synopsis: The U.S. Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) sponsored the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (NAMRL) to assess the prevalence and possible impact of Irlen Syndrome.
Source: 45th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association.
Pensacola, Florida, 3-6 November 2003. A11. Page 96-102.
Authors: Krouse, S.L., and Irvine, J.H.
International Military Testing Association Website: www.internationalmta.org/2003
Powerpoint presentation from conference:
A11. Krouse, S.L., and Irvine, J.H. Perceptual Dyslexia: It's effect on the military cadre and benefits of treatment.

The Interpretation of Emotion from facial expression for children with Irlen Syndrome.
Synopsis: Children with Irlen Syndrome had significantly lower scores for interpreting emotion from facial expression than children with reading difficulty but no Irlen Syndrome, and children without reading difficulty.
Source: The Australasian Journal of Special Education 27,2,2003, 50-67.
Authors: Robinson & Whiting

Coloured Overlays and their effects on reading speed: A Review
Synopsis: Coloured overlays can reduce symptoms of visual stress and increase reading speed, and are not placebo.
Source: Ophthalmological and Physiological Optometry 22, 448-454 (2002). The College of Optometrists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. UK.
Author: Wilkins, A.

The Incidence of Scotopic Senstivity Syndrome in Colorado Inmates.
Synopsis: 80% of 155 inmates participating in prison education programs had a high incidence of symptoms of Irlen Syndrome, cf.12-14% in the general population. Using coloured overlays, 56% showed considerable improvement and 33% moderate improvement.
Source: Journal of Correctional Education 51,3, Sept 2000, 294-299.
Authors: Whichard, Feller & Kastner