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My Irlen® story

By on August 14, 2016 
by Rachel Rei Kiyokawa

Seina KiyokawaYears ago, my elementary school age daughter had learning issues that plunged me into the depths of despair. She struggled with reading and writing tasks. She tried to avoid doing homework in a well-lighted room and always appeared tired. Yawning, struggling for a few minutes and then sometimes falling asleep leaving homework undone told me that something was wrong. I just couldn’t tell exactly what it was. “Could it be due to a brain, visual or some unknown issue?” I wondered. The school being less than helpful, I took the matter into my own hands and did some research.

IMG_7629My quest for solutions came to an end after reading a book by Helen Irlen, “Reading by the Colors’. Through the book, I learned about the Irlen® Method (named after her), an amazing breakthrough in science that addresses a wide range of learning difficulties.

As I read every single page of it, the more I was convinced that this could be the missing piece of the puzzle not only for my daughter’s case, but also mine. At some point, I too had suffered from visual stress and experienced print distortions.

I didn’t think twice and flew with my daughter to Texas for an Irlen® screening. The experience was life-changing.

Realizing how many people and families I can help from the experience, I later became a certified Irlen® Screener. The last two clients I saw are American families on AP Yokota Base. Looking at the children smile with pride as they fit their corrective Irlen® lenses is beyond gratifying.

What is Irlen® Syndrome?
Previously referred to as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS), and at times as Visual Stress, the Irlen® Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical issue, but a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information.  It is basically a sensory problem related to light sensitivity, depth perception, sensory overload and  other symptoms of discomfort. It results in distorted perceptions of printed pages affecting one`s reading ability, academic performance as well as many aspects of daily activities. This problem tends to run in families, and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests. It won`t go away either without the Irlen® Method approach.

Irlen® Syndrome is not rare. Research shows that 33% of SSS individuals have similar behaviors to those with ADHD, and 50% of those with both ASD & SSS suffer from reading difficulties. An Irish research published in 2012 shows that 17.5% of kids at a mainstream school in Ireland had Irlen® Syndrome, and 37% of a special school for kids with severe dyslexia had Irlen® Syndrome.

Irlen overlays & glassesWhat is the Irlen® Method?
It is a non-invasive technology that uses colored overlays and spectral filtered lenses to improve the brain’s ability to process visual information.  It is the only method scientifically proven to successfully correct the processing problems associated with Irlen® Syndrome. The cornerstone of the Irlen® Method is its precision-tinted colored overlays and filters. Advanced color spectrometer technology is used to ensure that Irlen® colored overlays and tinted lenses meet strict standards of color balancing designed to produce the most effective color correction tool.

This method helps maximize academic, work, and daily activity performance for children and adults with reading and other learning problems, light sensitivity, ADD/ADHD, TBI, concussion, migraines, headaches, anxieties, autism, and sensory processing disorders.

Using colored overlays has magical results.
These colored overlays could be the ultimate solution to reading challenges. A new study shows that enhancing visual perceptions of words could help treat reading disorders.  It significantly helps people understand the importance of screening particularly in determining the colored overlay(s) to be used as an accommodation at school.  (‘Words are recognized by Looks, not Sounds’ by Georgetown University Medical Center).

DSCF3564Irlen® spectral filters are even more amazing.
The difference they make is astonishing. Reading and learning starts to make sense being able to piece together information and see the whole picture. Studying no longer needs to be a painstaking experience, constantly struggling for information. Feeling relaxed and confident when engaged in academic tasks becomes possible. It is after this professional treatment that many have possibly completed their college degrees, or achieved even more successfully.
Irlen® tinted lenses are good for migraine relief
Precision spectral filters lenses have been around for over 20 years. But how were they able to stop the headaches?  A recent study found that looking through the spectral filters – but not other types of lenses – immediately and significantly reduced hyperactivity in the visual cortexes of migraine participants of the brains.
http://bottomlinepublications.com/content/article/health-a-healing/tinted-glasses-for-migraine-relief
TO CONCERNED PARENTS
The Irlen® Method is not meant to replace reading remediation-but rather,it is to eliminate the perceptual problems that inhibit the learning process.You may have mistaken your kids` learning problems for poor motivation, a lack of intelligence, or a bad attitude. But the lenses could really be the missing piece of the puzzle !
Do you need help? Arrange an Irlen® Screening now.
Visit http://www.kiyorei.com/

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