Heathcote School

Mrs Carn Becomes An Irlen Screener

We are pleased to announce that Mrs Carn has trained to become an Irlen screener for  the school.  Heathcote has had its own Irlen screeners since 1990 when Mrs Greenland and Mrs Norton trained to become screeners.   The school has seen many children helped by Irlen lenses when diagnosed with these symptoms.  Parents can click on the links  to learn more about The Irlen Method & Lenses.

 

The Irlen Method & Lenses

Heathcote School has been screening and helping children with Irlen Syndrome since 1990.

The Irlen Method has been used by educators since 1983. This patented method and colour-based technology was discovered by Helen Irlen, MA, LMFT, the leading expert in perceptually-based reading and learning difficulties.

The Irlen Method is a non-invasive, patented technology that uses coloured overlays and filters 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.


Use of Irlen lenses and filters can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention and concentration while reducing light sensitivity and improving perceptual vision. Irlen is not a problem with eye-sight, it is the brain's inability to perceive some of the visual messages that are sent to it.  With the correct individual prescription of colours the brain can accurately process visual information.

We help children and adults suffering from

  • Reading and learning problems
  • Dyslexia
  • ADD/HD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome
  • Behavioural and emotional problems
  • Headaches, migraines, fatigue and other physical symptoms
  • Light Sensitivity/Photophobia
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI), whip lash, and concussions
  • Certain medical and visual conditions.
 
Research indicates that 10-12% of the population suffers from Irlen Syndrome and this prevents them from functioning efficiently. These people may be unaware of the extra energy and effort that they are putting into reading and perceiving. They do not realise that other people perceive print or the environment in a different way. Educators and the scientific community have until recently been baffled by this condition which is not detected by standard educational, visual or medical tests.

Irlen Screeners are certified to administer the first testing session and determine whether an individual will benefit from further evaluation for Irlen Spectral Filters. 

Here at Heathcote School we have 3 qualified screeners available to test the children
and advise parents on their next course of action.

Professionals who have been certified in the Irlen Method are located worldwide.  The Irlen Method consists of two testing sessions, a screening appointment (by Irlen Screeners and Irlen Diagnosticians) and a spectral filter testing appointment (by Irlen Diagnosticians).  There are yearly filter rechecks.

Coloured tinted lenses provided by others are NOT the same as spectral filters provided by the Irlen Method. Opticians who offer coloured lenses for dyslexia and reading problems do not have our expertise and cannot usually give qualified educational advice, nor can they apply for and obtain exam dispensations for pupils in public examinations.

 Only certified Irlen Diagnosticians are trained to determine the specific frequencies to optimize performance from an almost limitless selection of filters.Everyone's brain is different.  The Irlen Diagnostician can determine and design the correct filter which allows your brain to function properly.  This results in improved reading, learning, performance, attention, and well being.

Parents who have concerns can make an appointment to speak to Mrs Carn or Mrs Norton and arrange a screening.

Listed below are some websites that may be helpful to parents:

Eye Problems associated with Irlen Syndrome

www.irlen.org.uk/

diagnosis Irlen syndrome, visual stress, visual dyslexia

The full diagnostic process consists of screening to check if a client has Irlen syndrome and if the Irlen method will help them, this can lead on to a full ...

www.irleneast.com