Any body know anything at all about irlen/ scotopic sensitivity syndrome?

[IneedAsockamnesty]

And I mean anything like who dx's how it can be accommodated for.

I'm asking because one of my kids without a doubt has it but needs a formal dx he was seen at a hospital opticians who looked at him for 10 mins then sent a letter out referring to extreme light sensitivity and wear sun glasses all the time even indoors. Then discharged him so not helpful

This is a syndrome which causes difficulty with focusing on text due to brightness of the page and/or text appearing to move amongst other factors. Our LA has a Learning Support Service with people who are trained to find which coloured overlays best help to secure focus on text (and enhance reading speed and accuracy).

A local lady, however, has been trained to a higher level to diagnose Irlen's and find the best mix of overlays to suit the individual. She writes a comprehensive report for school which includes the best match coloured exercise books for the child and what exam arrangements are needed (generally coloured exam papers, naturally lit room).

In extreme cases (only two children in the last 6/7 years!) she recommends the child goes to a specialist optician to have further tests (with approx 150 choices of coloured lenses) for glasses which costs about £450. She says 'normal' opticians have few lens choices and can do more harm than good.

These overlays have made a significant difference to the reading speed and accuracy of a number of children I work with and they have been relieved to know the reason for their slowness in reading.

He has all that plus he cannot tolerate normal household lighting,

Who would dx it?

Just been to an autism seminar and one of the speakers also has this diagnosis. He wears dark blue lensed glasses

the seminar recomended contacting dyslexia charity locally who would be able to direct you to a practitioner for assessment.
hope that helps

Hi, google Professor Arnold Wilkins he is an expert in Visual stress/Scotopic sensitivity.
He created some of the tests carried out, he was based at Colchester Uni & may be happy to answer any questions you may have by email.

Thank you,I will email him Monday and also contact a local dyslexia centre

www.essex.ac.uk/psychology/staff/profile.aspx?ID=2455

Hopefully the link should work.