Tom struggled with reading and writing from a young age. At age 7 it was determined he had dyslexia and poor peripheral vision. He was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome after screening. Irlen Syndrome affects how printed text is perceived and causes visual and attention problems. Special colored lenses and overlays were produced for Tom, which improved his reading abilities. Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction that impacts reading, writing, and academic performance if not addressed.

1. Dyslexia – Irlen Syndrome
• Group members:
Nqobile Patience Nkwanyana 201233532
MATSHIDISO MPAIWA 201213208
Lindiwe Nhlapo 201200812
Wandile Mthethwa 201312179
Trace Mthembu
Rendani Dube

2. From birth Tom, tolerated his mother’s company only.
He was very content and coordinated in his home
environment, at school he communicated well with
teachers but not other learners.
At Seven it become obvious that his writing ability did
not match his oral ability.
Dyslexia was suspected and Tom was taken to a
dyslexia Unit where Irlen Screening is used.
The result: Tom was found dyslexic and had extremely
poor peripheral vision.
All sort of light were reported to be as uncomfortable
to him(e.g. daylight, street lamps etc.)

3. Selective filters were produced and
incorporated into a pair of prescription
spectacles and this opened up the world for
him.

4. Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual dysfunction that mostly
affects reading and writing-base activities.
People diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome see the printed page
differently from proficient readers because it affects the
visual; attention span; energy level; motivation and work
production.
As illustrated in the case study – Tom enjoyed language and
listening to stories, but would not look at the printed words
because the syndrome affects his reading skills
Problems with handwriting and depth perception can result
Pupils with Irlen Syndrome in most cases are bright but fail
to produce to a level that is considered appropriate.

5. Irlen Syndrome has a huge impact academically
because this is a barrier to learning.
At school there is a lot of reading taking place,
and learners with this syndrome cannot read well
and as a result they do not perform well.
Learners with Irlen become sleepy and
experience headaches and this will affect their
academic as they will not be able to pay attention
in class.

6. Tom was not a very social person, because he
only tolerated his mother’s company form an
early age.
Tom would communicate with teachers and
not other learners, so it can be concluded that
he had no friends.
Children in class always made fun of him so
that made his self-esteem low.

7. Surveys of children with Irlen Syndrome report a
lack of confidence; self-esteem and self-opinion –
related to difficulties in interpreting social
situations.
They become withdrawn because of negative
interaction with peers.
When the system is under stress, there is a
biochemical change.
Resulting to an overflowing effect, causing
emotional behaviour and physical symptoms (e.g.
anxiety; headaches and dizziness.

8. Irlen Syndrome is not just an academic and
individual problem, it is also a family problem.
Parents and siblings become involved because
there is a need to adjustments.
Siblings rivalry are one of the most important
issues families deal with because, non-dyslexic
children feel jealous when the other child get the
majority of attention.
Tests and health check-ups can have an effect on
the family financially.

9. The family needs to be caring and supportive so
that the child feels welcomed and not different.
They have to help the child with reading
passages using different colour overlays.
In the school context, the educator has to have
some sort of background information about the
child and the syndrome, so that the lessons are
planned in a way that will help the learner.

10. Irlen has a patented treatment method using specially
formulated coloured overlays, to reduce perception
difficulties.
Part of the diagnostic protocol includes the proviso that the
conclusion must be alleviated by the application of colour
through individually prescribed lenses.
Originally coloured overlays were the only form of
treatment available but refinement of the process has
occurred with the development of intuitive colorimeter.
The intuitive colorimeter allows the perceptual effects of
colour to be ascertained while the eyes are concurrently
adapted to colour.

12. In conclusion, Irlen Syndrome is not a
curable, but can be maintained by the use of
Irlen lenses; coloured glasses and overlays.