Irlen is a Spectrum Disorder. This means that individuals can be on a continuum from slight to severe. Someone can have mild, medium or very strong symptoms.
Below are two self tests; one for reading symptoms and the other for headaches/migraine symptoms.
Irlen Syndrome Short Self Test For Reading
When a child has Irlen Syndrome, they do not make progress with tutoring and extra support. Problems continue until perception can be made clear and stable with color overlays and accommodations and/or Irlen Spectral Filters. Then, and only then, can the child make progress with practice and remediation.
YES NO - Does reading make you tired?
YES NO - Do you re-read lines?
YES NO - Do you lose your place?
YES NO - Do you blink or squint?
YES NO - Do you read close to the page?
YES NO - Do you prefer to read in dim light?
YES NO - Are you easily distracted when reading?
YES NO - Do you need to take breaks often?
YES NO - Do your eyes get red and watery?
YES NO - Do you get headaches when you read?
YES NO - Do you skip words or lines when reading?
YES NO - Do you find it harder to read the longer you read?
YES NO - Do you use your finger or other markers?
YES NO - Do you get restless, active, or fidgety when reading?
© 1990 Helen L. Irlen
If you answered "YES" to three or more questions, it is recommended that you be screened for Irlen Syndrome.
This short Self test is geared only toward reading but there are many other aspects of life that Irlen can affect.
Irlen Headaches/Migraine Self Test
Do any of the following bother your eyes, head, and stomach; make you dizzy, tired, nervous, anxious or irritable?
YES NO - Reading textbooks for extended periods?
YES NO - Reading on a computer for extended periods?
YES NO - Working or reading under fluorescent lights?
YES NO - Reading black print on high gloss white paper?
YES NO - Doing visually-intensive activities like needlepoint, cross stitching, woodworking, crossword puzzles?
YES NO - Bothered by sunlight?
YES NO - Bothered by glare outside; glare off chrome on cars?
YES NO - Bothered by glare off high gloss white paper?
YES NO - Bothered by glare on hazy days?
YES NO - Bothered by bright lights?
YES NO - Bothered by fluorescent lights?
YES NO - Bothered by headlights from oncoming traffic?
YES NO - Certain patterns or stripes bother you?
YES NO - Bright or neon colors bother you?
YES NO - Do you frequently wear sunglasses?
YES NO - Do you become tired or drowsy under bright or fluorescent lighting?
YES NO - Do you get a headache from fluorescent lighting?
YES NO - Do you feel antsy or fidgety when under fluorescent lighting?
YES NO - Does your performance deteriorate under bright or fluorescent lighting?
YES NO - Do you feel like there is too much light when reading?
YES NO - Do you feel like there is not enough light when reading?
YES NO - Do you read in dim lighting?
YES NO - Do you feel like you need less light to read?
