Access screening for Irlen Syndrome

IRLEN Ballarat’s certified screener, Christine Phillips is inviting residents to have a free ‘mini screening’ if they suspect they may have Irlen Syndrome.

Approximately 15 per cent of people live with the condition which causes the brain to have great difficulties processing visual information.

“It can significantly affect daily functioning, long-term academic and workplace success, and health and wellbeing,” Ms Phillips said.

“Individuals of all ages and ethnicities may experience Irlen symptoms which include light sensitivity, headaches or migraines, difficulty or discomfort when reading, eye strain, and distorted print text or environment.

“Irlen Syndrome affects huge sectors of the population but is not yet identified by standard educational or medical tests.”

Of children with learning difficulties, 15 per cent of them are challenged by the syndrome, and adults who have suffered concussion, or have had a brain injury, are a high chance of experiencing it too.

“It’s usually hereditary, so if a child has it, one of the parents has it as well.

“It’s very important to have it diagnosed, because children can go through their schooling with it, have different interventions, be misdiagnosed, and not really be able to achieve because they still can’t see words on their pages properly,” Ms Phillips said.

“They can go through life with low self-esteem, and sometimes develop depression and anxiety, but if they’re tested and treated, they can go on learning.”

Ms Phillips is a qualified teacher and member of the Australasian Association of Irlen Consultants. Visit irlenballarat.com.au or call 0417 593 416.