Autism and Irlen
It is understood that 55%-57% of those on the autistic spectrum will have Irlen Sydrome. Unusual responses to sensory stimuli are common and prominent in Autism.
These include:
- looking in a series of short glances
- looking away from visual targets
- squinting or looking down
- finger flicking
- sideway glances
- poor eye contact
- rubbing or pushing on eyes
- mesmerized by colours, patterns or light
- behaviour changes in bright lights or sunlight
- poor spatial or body awareness
- light sensitivity
- difficulties with stairs, escalators or catching balls
The most common distortions reported by individuals with autism are:
- seeing 2D world
- double vision, distortions of shape, size, movement etc. Small rooms might look as if they are even smaller to some - to others the space seems to be expanded and a single room might look as a whole house.
- distortions become worse in the state of nervous arousal and information overload.
Case Study:
Cliff, 74 years old
Cliff had a successful career in mechanical engineering and transport management.
Cliff is able to read for a maximum of 20 minutes, before the text becomes distorted.
"When I was at school they had difficulty in teaching me to read. I was diagnosed as word blind. I was written off at school. Now I can read reasonably well but what I would like to be able to do is to read good quality newspaper books and novels. You miss out on so much knowledge. I always lacked confidence in myself and began to take in that I was useless."
Contact James
Contact James with any questions you may have or for an informal chat about Irlen. You can contact him on:
t: 01536 761597
e: billettjames@hotmail.com
Online enquiry form
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Further Information
Further information about Irlen Syndrome can be found at www.irlen.com
Please note that opticians and organisations other than Irlen Clinics have no connection with Helen Irlen, or the Irlen Institute and do not use the Irlen method.
