Take a self test

Test #1 - Irlen Syndrome: Warning Signs
(Note: All people won't have all warning signs)

Which of these warning signs do you have?
Some of these warning signs aren't unique to Irlen syndrome or may show up in everybody's experience. But if you can identify with several of these, you should really think about getting screened for Irlen syndrome

Some key symptoms are in bold

Reading difficulties

· has poor comprehension

· skips words or lines

· reads slowly or hesitantly

· loses place

· misreads words

· reads in dim light

· takes breaks or can’t read for long periods

· finds reading gets harder or deteriorates with time

· avoids reading

· sees print that looks blurry or fuzzy or seems to move

· can’t skim or speed-read (despite being an experienced reader); reads word for word (“I read aloud in my head”)

Physical symptoms when reading

· headaches

· eye strain

· nausea or dizziness

· fatigue or drowsiness

· restlessness or fidgety behavior

Body language while reading

· shades eyes to eliminate glare

· uses finger or marker

· blinks, squints, opens eyes wide or rubs eyes

· becomes restless or fidgety

Writing difficulties

· poor cursive writing; prefers to print

· unequal spacing

· inability to write on the line

· problems copying

· inconsistent spelling

Strain or fatigue in other areas

· strain or fatigue from computer use

· difficulty reading music

· sloppy, careless math errors

· misaligned numbers in columns

· ineffective use of study time

· lack of motivation

· grades do not reflect the amount of effort expended

Depth perception problems

· clumsiness

· difficulty catching balls

· difficulty judging distances

· additional caution necessary while driving

Note: An eye exam is recommended before screening for Irlen Syndrome.

^{Test #2 - Headaches, Migraines, Stress & Self Test}

(The following information is from the Irlen Institute website)

Do any of the following situations bother your eyes, head or stomach; or make you dizzy, tired, nervous, anxious or irritable?

· Reading textbooks for extended periods?

· Reading on a computer for extended periods?

· Working or reading under fluorescent lights?

· Reading black print on high gloss white paper?

· Doing visually intensive activities such as needlepoint, cross stitching, woodworking, crossword puzzles?

· Sunlight?

· Glare outside; glare off chrome on cars?

· Glare off high gloss white paper?

· Glare on hazy days?

· Bright lights?

· Headlights from oncoming traffic?

· Certain patterns or stripes?

· Bright or neon colors?

Additional questions:

· Do you frequently wear sunglasses?

· Do you become tired or drowsy under bright or fluorescent lighting?

· Do you get a headache from fluorescent lighting?

· Do you feel antsy or fidgety when under fluorescent lighting?

· Does your performance deteriorate under bright or fluorescent lighting?

· Do you feel like there is too much light when reading?

· Do you feel like there is not enough light when reading?

· Do you read in dim lighting?

Answering “Yes” to 3 or more of these questions indicates lighting, glare, and/or visual activities may be triggers for your headaches or migraines. Therefore, wearing Irlen colored glasses may successfully eliminate your suffering. The higher your score, the more lighting and/or visually intensive activities may be contributing to your pain. The section of the Irlen Institute website entitled “Test Centers” lists the certified Irlen practitioners throughout the world.

Determining that you may have Irlen Syndrome does not eliminate the need to explore other factors that can also cause headaches. A list of some of these other triggers is included in this section. The first step in treating your headaches must be proper diagnosis. It is essential that all possible causes be investigated since you may be suffering from different types of headaches. You should consult your pediatrician or physician to make sure there are no underlying medical problems.

You can find a few more good self-tests at Irlen's website.

You'll notice occasionally that you've already answered a few similar questions if you've already done Test #1 above, but there are also many questions that weren't brought up on this page.

Short Self-Test

Long Self-Test

Light Sensitivity Self-Test