Provided by Kim Ashby

Answer the following questions:     YES     NO

Do you skip words or lines when reading?        
Do you reread lines?        
Do you lose your place?        
Are you easily distracted when reading?        
Do you need to take breaks often?        
Do you find it harder to read the longer you read?        
Do you get headaches when you read?        
Do your eyes get red and watery?        
Does reading make you tired?        
Do you blink or squint?        
Do you prefer to read in dim light?        
Do you read close to the page?        
Do you use your finger or other markers?        
Do you get restless, active, or fidgety when reading?        

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, then you might be experiencing the effects of a perception problem called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, which can interfere with your reading efficiency. Now, for the first time, there is a simple method Irlen Colored Filters worn as glasses or contact lenses, that can help people overcome this problem quickly and easily.

Copyright © 1991 by Perceptual Development Corp/Helen Irlen.  All rights reserved.
For other self tests including the long test, headache test, light sensitivity test, autism test <a href="http://irlen.com/index.php?s=selftests">click here</a>.

Irlen Syndrom has also been known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome.  It is not a problem with the eyes.  It  is a a problem with the brain's ability to process visual information.  Irlen Syndrome can affect many different areas including academic performance, behavior, the ability to sit still, attention and concentration.  Studies suggest that 46% of individuals identified with reading problems, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD an other learning difficulties suffer from Irlen Syndrome and can be helped by the Irlen Method.  This syndrome is often just one more layer of the individuals problems, but the Irlen Method can be a part of the solution.

Some of the symptoms of Irlen Syndrome include light sensitivity, especially to fluorescent lights, headache, eye strain, reading problems, reading comprehension problems, attention and concentration problems, writing problems, depth perception problems, math disabilities, etc.

The Irlen Method provides a unique service for some children and adults who have been identified with reading and learning difficulties, low motivation, attention deficit disorder, discipline problems as well as helping  good readers and gifted students.

The Irlen Method and the efficacy of colored overlays and colored lenses has been the subject of over 100 research studies.  This method has been used for more than 25 years to identify and help people with this specific visual processing problem.  Additionally, the colored overlays are now considered an approved accommodation for standardized tests in many states.

I have a gifted daughter who is now 6 years old and in the first grade. We knew something was different about her by the age of 2 because of the profound statements that she would say as well as her ability to read by the age of 3. If you are a parent of a gifted child, you will understand our panic with what to do with her! We were very worried about how we should proceed...challenging her enough but not putting pressure on her...giving her the information she wanted to devour but not expecting too much...helping her be well-rounded and socially adept but not holding her back. Should we do private school or public school? Were we and her preschool teachers crazy or was she really seriously gifted?

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My name is Lauren and I love to read. Novels, magazines, Twitter posts from celebrities, Facebook messages from friends, I devour it all. But this wasn't always the case. In fact, I used to despise reading, and not in the way many kids try to avoid reading. I hated reading because I just couldn't do it. I am Dyslexic.

In elementary school I struggled mightily to get through even the simplest sentences. Letters would blur, flip, or appear upside-down or reversed. Full lines would appear out of sequence. I used to cry when I had to read because it was so hard for me. It was so frustrating when I couldn't follow the story because my brain and eyes don't see things in the right order.

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"Find Their Passion"
If you are a parent of a child that has a learning difference and is struggling to learn how to read and manage basic math skills chances are you have heard teachers, speech therapists, and counselors say to you "Find Their Passion" and you can teach your child anything. I know I have said this numerous times to parents. Well, it is easier said than done!

"Discover Who Your Child Is"
A parent knows their child best! Right? If you listen to their clues. You do know your child best! Offer opportunities for your child to experience extra-curricular activities and learning environments that fit their individual interest. This is our families story.

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Helping your child develop excellent reading skills is extremely important for their academic success. One on one time and attention with your child will help them become better strategic and effective readers. Parents are a key factor in helping their child move from beginner reader to fluent reader. The parent knows their child best and can help their child locate the best reading materials to meet their needs and interests.

10 Steps To Develop Reading Skills:

1. Schedule regular daily reading time.
Reading out loud regularly to children will produce significant gains in reading. By daily reading your child will build up their comprehension, vocabulary, and word decoding. If the child is a preschooler or preteen, reading regularly will increase their interest in independently reading and will build their skill, speed and knowledge base.

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Books on tape are a great way to pass the time while driving on long road trips. My daughters and I spent two very long days driving to Yellowstone National Park and two days back; one of our all time favorite places to vacation. Since we love road trips we reminded ourselves how important it was to listen to a book on tapes series. Tradition. Having teenage girls they selected the books by Stephenie Meyer the Twilight Series http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html ~ I will admit that I had quickly read the first book Twilight before the movie opened in November 2008. The goal was to get the book finished so I could be up to speed with my daughters before I saw the movie. Speed reading Twilight was really no fun. I could not see what all the excitement was about with this book. I chalked it up to a teen girl story.... Never was I moved to read any of the other books. I believe I have been too busy with work. Not allowing myself the luxury of fiction! However, I must admit I embrace fiction on vacation and this was no different. Keeping connected to my daughters is very important to me and if it means reading fiction about vampire's and werewolves then so be it! Actually, the hours on the road listening to the books on tape, talking to the girls about story plots, character development, vocabulary and writing styles placed me in a great teaching position! Learning made fun! My daughters did not even realize it! The writing process was easy to discuss.... talking about ways to help them find their "writing voice" through the writing process became interesting discussions and hopefully, planted a process they will draw from in the future. The girls taught me so much about the author, the movie scripts and actors.....They taught me how much they had learned about the book series and movie series thus a fun way to keep mom up to speed on current fiction!