Irlen Syndrome
“Almost never are those with reading problems questioned about whether reading is comfortable. It is assumed that reading is equally comfortable for everyone”
The titles of all the books in The Story Weavers of Bacalen series are all related to things that may be challenging to people who have symptoms of Irlen Syndrome. Some may find difficulties with some or all of these things. Perhaps it is with reading and writing; drawing or colours; following printed music; speaking or reading aloud or to groups; focusing or completing tasks; catching balls or coordination; learning using traditional methods; or looking at digital screens.
We created our Irlen heroes to support and empower those who have Irlen Syndrome. The junior authors both have Irlen Syndrome. They have been able to find ways to combat The Story Snatchers, Picture Pinchers, Music Meddlers, Theatre Thwarters, Hobby Hinderers, Sport Spoilers, Learning Loathers and Digital Detesters who have appeared in their lives.
These stories might be seen as children’s fiction but Irlen Syndrome is REAL. We hope that these Bacalen adventures can help others believe it is too.
We enjoy talking about how the Story Weavers of Bacalen were created and love visiting schools and libraries.
Click here for an example presentation PDF.
Dyslexie font
This series is published in ‘Dyslexie font’. It was developed in The Netherlands by dyslexic, Dutch graphic designer, Christian Boer.
It may assist dyslexics read text more easily and accurately.
What is dyslexia?
dyslexia: a difficulty learning to read or to interpret words; it doesn’t affect general intelligence and is not a problem with comprehension; has a continuum from mild to severe; no two dyslexics are alike;
Note: a dyslexic is often able to use higher level language skills to support their reading of connected text (stories) and this ability to ‘compensate’ may mask their underlying difficulties with single word reading (decoding).
A dyslexic person finds it difficult to convert letter symbols to their correct sound (decode) and convert sounds to their correct written symbol (spell). (Australian Dyslexia Association, 2017)
Research has also shown that 1 in 5 people (including dyslexics) find it difficult to process visual information and may have a very common condition known as Irlen Syndrome.
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome: a perceptual processing disorder (a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information) and not an optical problem.
Note: it is also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS), Perceptual Dyslexia and Visual Stress.
This common syndrome tends to run in families (1 in 5 people have it). It is not currently identified by other standardised educational or medical tests. Research shows that about 46% of people with reading problems have this processing problem.
It can affect many different areas such as academic and work performance; behaviour; attention; ability to sit still and concentration.
The Irlen Method uses colored overlays and glasses to improve the brain’s ability to process visual information. It can improve reading fluency, comfort, comprehension, attention, and concentration while reducing light sensitivity. (www.irlen.com)
For further information about signs and symptoms and to locate a diagnostician at a testing centre within Australia, New Zealand and Asia visit:
www.aaic.org.au
Videos
Example of how Irlen Syndrome can affect reading
Irlen Syndrome doesn’t just affect reading or children
“Most obstacles melt away when we make up our minds to walk through them.”