There are three different types of learning disabilities, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and aphantasia. Only 2-3% of the population is affected by dyslexia, which means that dyslexia is not a disability but rather a learning difficulty. Dyslexia is a learning disability which affects a person’s ability to read, write, spell, and understand numbers. Common symptoms of dyslexia are difficulty with spelling, difficulty remembering the spelling of words, difficulty reading out loud, and difficulty understanding written language. People with dyslexia are very creative, however, and have a high level of intelligence.
Irlen Syndrome is a neurological condition that primarily affects the visual system and often leads to reading difficulties and issues with focus and attention.
This condition has been known to cause varying degrees of difficulty reading. This can be a struggle for those who have to do a lot of reading in school, whether it is for homework or just for enjoyment. Even though the condition affects reading, writing, speaking and understanding, most people with this disorder are able to complete daily activities and tasks within the normal range of their peers.
Irlen Syndrome is characterized by difficulty perceiving contrast and making sense of written language and numbers.
People who have Irlen syndrome have a variety of symptoms, some of which can make reading and writing extremely challenging. Many people with this disorder have difficulty with glare and motion, and they can be very sensitive to light. They may also have difficulty with spatial awareness and organization. Those with the disorder have a higher-than-average number of brain cells, which can make it difficult to learn new things.
It's also known as frequency coded dyslexia, because the way each character is represented in the brain is different from the way it looks on the page.
Despite its name, the condition technically isn't a "syndrome" at all. It's a learning disability that can affect people who have a particular difficulty reading or spelling, which can be traced back to a problem with how the brain processes information. In most cases, the cause is a genetically inherited trait.
The symptoms are primarily visual, but some people with Irlen Syndrome also experience issues with hearing, digestion and sleep.
The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome are often called learning disabilities. Though the condition is not officially recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that one in 20 people worldwide have the disorder. The Centers for Education and Accessibility (CEA) estimates that one in three people with learning disabilities also have sensory issues.
Irlen Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as dyslexia or ADHD.
While some people describe Irlen Syndrome as a learning disability, it is not. It is not a learning disability because people with Irlen Syndrome are highly intelligent. The difficulty they have understanding and reading is not due to a lack of brainpower. Rather, it is due to the inefficiency of their brain to process the information.
Because it is not a recognized disability, many people with Irlen Syndrome often receive insufficient accommodations in school.
People with this disorder have a high level of difficulty reading, writing, spelling, and processing information due to an inability to perceive the differences between colors, shades, and shapes. To compensate for this, they use extra brain power to process information and remember things. Since there is no cure for this condition, those with it must learn to work around their challenges.
If your child struggles with reading, you may want to consider getting a comprehensive eye exam.
If you suspect that your child may have an invisible disability that affects reading or spelling, it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam. This exam can determine if your child struggles with the perception of letters, words, or numbers because of a lack of contrast, a difficulty with spelling, or dyslexia.
Conclusion
Dealing with difficulty reading, spelling, and writing can be incredibly frustrating for an individual with Irlen Syndrome. While the condition is most commonly seen in those with a family history of learning disabilities, it can affect anyone regardless of their educational background. There are three types of symptoms associated with the condition: visual, auditory, and cognitive.
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