While Irlen Syndrome is now the preferred term used to describe the disorder Helen Irlen identified and described over 30 years ago, the disorder is occasionally referred to by other names: Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, Meares-Irlen Syndrome, and most recently, Visual Stress. All of these terms are generally used to label the same set of symptoms, and colored filtering is recognized and documented to successfully alleviate the symptoms of the disorder no matter which of the related names it bears.
Over 30 years ago, Helen Irlen identified the symptoms of a disorder that would come to bear her namesake, Irlen Syndrome. In its early years, Irlen referred to the disorder as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, based on the belief that the primary difficulties associated with the disorder occurred when the brain tried to process light within the scotopic range of the visible light spectrum. Many people misinterpreted the coined to mean scotopic vision or night vision, which confused professionals and discredited the method. As a result, researchers began calling the disorder Irlen Syndrome. Early research on the topic can still be found that uses the term Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, however. Some places in the literature also refer to the disorder as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, paying respect to Olive Meares, a teacher in New Zealand who identified similar symptoms as Helen Irlen during the same time period in the early 1980’s. Unlike Irlen, Meares did not move beyond symptom description to treatment protocols or developing methods of intervention.
In recent years, a new term has been introduced, Visual Stress (used primarily in the United Kingdom), in an attempt to simplify and generalize the name with the hopes to garner broader acceptance and understanding of the disorder. Academic research using the term Visual Stress also acknowledges the disorder’s other labels, Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Meares-Irlen Syndrome.
Backed by over 30 years of research, Irlen is the pioneer and global leader in the technology that has helped millions of adults and children around the world find relief from Irlen Syndrome. With over 170 Irlen Clinics in 46 countries around the world, Irlen is the original creator of colored lens treatment for perceptual processing difficulties. The Irlen Method has earned millions of fans by providing a long-term, expertly developed solution to reading problems, headaches, light sensitivity, ADD and ADHD, autism and many other ailments–by directly addressing a core problem: the brain’s inability to process visual information. While there are several names out there to label this condition, there is only one Irlen Method.
The Irlen Institute will be presenting cutting edge research at the 10th World Congress on Brain Injury in San Francisco, CA this March. This biennial Congress is the principal activity of the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA), and is unique in its international focus on transdisciplinary advances in the science, clinical aspects, and public policy issues of traumatic and other acquired brain injuries.
The research, titled Precision-tinted colored filters: A successful intervention for medically resistant headaches and migraines after brain injury was conducted by Sandra Tosta and Helen Irlen from the Irlen Institute in conjunction with Dr. Jeffrey Lewine from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and Dr. Joseph Annibali from the Amen Clinics DC.
The following abstract will be published in the international, peer-reviewed, scientific journal, “Brain Injury.”
Background. Since March 2011, Irlen has been investigating the use of Irlen Spectral Filters with military personnel experiencing chronic light senstivity, headaches and migraines as a result of brain or head trauma that has not been successfully remediated through other interventions, including migraine medications, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, healing touch, yoga, meditation, vestibular therapy, Botox injections, hyperbaric, and Neurofeedback. Methods. A sample of 134 Military personnel diagnosed with medically resistant headaches and migraines and chronic light sensitvity as a result of combat-related brain or head trauma were seen at the Irlen Institute for treatment. A preliminary questionnaire determined the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines experienced, and difficulties related to 28 areas of functioning. The individualized, precision-tinted Irlen Spectral Filter was determined and given to each individual to wear in the form of glasses. After approximately 4-12 weeks, a follow-up survey was conducted to assess reduction of light sensitivity, headaches and migraines, and a variety of other areas. Amount and severity of difficulties experienced were reported on a 0 to 5 scale (0 means “no problem” and 5 means “considerable problem”). Results. Results confirmed a nearly 100% reduction in headaches and migraines, 98% reduction in light sensitivity, 80% reduction in weekly/monthly migraine medication use, 99% reduction in weekly/monthly OTC medication use, 88-95% reduction in other physical symptoms (eye strain, dizziness, nausea), 93-97% reduction in academic difficulties (reading, math computation, copying, paper-pencil tasks, computer, job performance), 75-98% reduction in physical difficulties (coordination, balance, depth perception, general perception, tracking moving objects, marksmanship), and 54-64% reduction in emotional symptoms not related to PTSD (anxiety , irritability/agitation, anger, depression). Paired samples t-tests confirmed all improvements were significant at p<.05. Conclusions. For individuals who have suffered head trauma resulting in light sensitivity, and chronic headaches and migraines that fail to respond to other standard interventions, Irlen Spectral Filters provide dramatic and immediate relief and improvements. These improvements extend beyond headaches and migraines to impact other areas of life and daily functioning that are crucial to both their ability to remain in active duty and to achieve success after retiring from the Marine Corps. Irlen Spectral Filters are able to eliminate the pain and discomfort that no other intervention or medication has been able to eliminate, provide stability and clarity in the visual field (both on the printed page and in the environment), and improve functioning in more than 26 areas. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, transition lenses, medications, and alternative therapies did not reduce or eliminate their chronic headaches and migraines and other symptoms. Determination of the precise hue and density of the various wavelengths of light must be individually determined in order to eliminate headaches, migraines, and other symptoms and improve ability to function.
Dave Asprey has spent the last 15 years seeking out ways to take control of and improve biochemistry, body, and mind so they work in unison. He calls it “Biohacking,” and he is always on the lookout for simple things that can help everyday people be better, feel better, and live better. He shares his secrets with the world through The Bulletproof Executive website, radio, and regular speaking engagements. Dave Asprey recently discovered what Irlen Spectral Filters could do for him, and he shared it with the world on his recent Bulletproof Radio Podcast. On this podcast, Helen talks about the Irlen Method and why the science of color transforms lives!
Friday, March 21, 2014, Helen Irlen and Dr. Sandra Tosta will present new research on Irlen and traumatic brain injury at the World Congress on Brain Injury in San Francisco, CA.
At the Irlen Institute International Headquarters, we routinely treat former professional athletes (NFL, ice hockey, etc.) who have suffered repeated concussions or head injuries as a result of their sports participation. These clients suffer all the same symptomology (physical symptoms and perceptual distortions) that our clients who are born with Irlen Syndrome do; however, they tend to be even more severe, with more areas affected to a more significant degree. Former NFL player, Nick Bell, described his experiences after his years of repeated head injury and how Irlen Spectral Filters have helped him, in the following letter he wrote to Helen Irlen.
Helen,
I feel compelled to let you know how you and your kind staff have assisted me and my family by working with me on the multitude of medical issues that I exhibit. I cannot begin to explain how the Irlen Institute has profoundly changed my life.
As a professional football player, I experienced 15 – 20 impacts to the head per day and 25 – 30 a game while performing as a running back at all levels of the game. It was the oppositions responsibility to stop me as a running back at all costs.
I suffered repeated concussions, some reported, but most not because of the fear of losing my job which supported my family. You see there was only one professional league when I played, so it was not possible to pack up your gear and get another position on another team unless one of two things happened. The team did not document the head injury and therefore it would not show up on the weekly injury reports posted by all teams at the time. On the other hand if a team was willing to overlook any “issues” your unique athletic abilities and services may have been required by another professional organization. Nevertheless, I suffer from a multitude of physical and psychological issues as a result of playing professional football. It should be noted when I left college and was drafted by a team I had “NO” significant issues to my physical and mental well-being with exception to a broken left wrist and a torn meniscus and posterior ligament in my right knee.
Today my physical issues are continuously being managed with medications provided by each area specialist and because of societies negative association to psychological problems it has been far more difficult to receive the appropriate care necessary to attempt to maintain any semblance of a normal life. I suffer with intermittent bouts of depression, varying degrees of anxiety and paranoia, continuous headaches, with extreme light sensitivity, spontaneous loss of balance, motion sickness, and continuous severe tinnitus, better known as ringing in my ears, just to name a few.
My psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Amen, recommend I try to get some relief by using special glasses provide by the Irlen Institute, located In Long Beach, California. I was reluctant at first, however today, I am a true believer. The glasses assist immensely with several of my symptoms. My headaches and feeling nauseous, motion sickness, and light sensitivity are instantaneously gone. I feel more relaxed, less strain and the Irlen lenses feel soothing and I feel a sense of calmness. I humbly thank Helen Irlen and her wonderful staff for their excellent service and continuous support over these past couple of years. Moreover, I look forward to continuously working with them in any capacity that may help others in my similar situation. Humbly and very respectfully, I remain.
Very Sincerely, Nickolas “Nick” BellFormer NFL Player
Join biohacker, entrepreneur, and wellness guru, Ari Meisel, as he interviews Helen Irlen to learn how Irlen Spectral Filters impact and optimize brain and body performance in this podcast on LessDoing.com.
Watch Podcast Now(Helen’s interview begins at minute 19 of the podcast)
Podcast Summary:
In this episode, Ari Meisel talks with Helen Irlen, founder of The Irlen Method. Helen maintains that 25% of the polessdoinglogopulation is unnecessarily struggling with reading and learning related issues that stem from sensitivity to light and glare. Helen says that light coming from modern technologies such as white boards, fluorescent lights and computer screens can cause distress to many people. Through careful assessment, Helen can prescribe a pair of glasses that filter out particular spectrum of light that is at the root cause of brain fog, headaches, and learning problems.
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LessDoing.com is a resource and framework for optimizing, automating, and outsourcing everything in people’s personal and professional lives. LessDoing.com covers everything from email management to fitness and helps make everything in life easier.
It can be a daunting task to try and explain to someone who doesn’t have Irlen Syndrome exactly what Irlen Syndrome is, or what it’s like to have Irlen Syndrome. People who have Irlen Syndrome tend to offer the best descriptions, and this poignant and elegant poem is one of the best. This what 14-year-old Pip Wood wrote for her English teacher when she was told to write a poem about something close to her heart. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
I sit in class The paper glares Rivers appear and words move I try to read My head bangs I close my eyes Reboot my mind No luck again
My hand goes up “Blue paper please” I am ignored My hand goes up Ignored again Finally I have been seen
Blue paper arrives After all I have a chance To get the grades I need To do the job I want To live the life I want
I was given white paper They know I can’t read
Irlen Syndrome That’s what it’s called I’m not colour blind As some people think
I need coloured paper Unless you want half my ability I need coloured backgrounds I could get two grades better
It’s called Irlen Syndrome And some of us live with it everyday
We know you like research. So do we! It always surprises us when people say, “The Irlen Method isn’t supported by research” because that’s just not true. The Irlen Method is supported by over 35 years of research spanning the fields of education, psychology, optometry, medicine, and neuroscience. In fact, a whole lot of this research is included right here on our website (http://irlen.com/published-research/). But, we know it can be overwhelming to sift through lots of research papers and try to make sense of it all, so we’ve done the work for you. We’ve read all the articles, synthesized them, summarized them, and come up with a really brief analysis of exactly what the research on Irlen shows. Please share this post with others who don’t believe that Irlen Syndrome is real, or that color can actually make a difference! Help others Get Educated about Irlen.
A SUMMARY OF IRLEN RESEARCH
There is currently a body of research related to Irlen Syndrome, Colored Overlays and Colored Filters that spans more than 35 years. The Irlen Method and the efficacy of colored overlays and colored lenses has been the subject of over 200 research studies encompassing the disciplines of education, psychology, and medicine. To date, more than 100 of these studies supporting the use of colored overlays and lenses to treat the perceptual processing difficulties associated with Irlen Syndrome are published in peer-reviewed academic and scientific journals, including the Journal of Learning Disabilities, Australian Journal of Special Education, Perceptual and Motor Skills, Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, Journal of Research in Reading, Behavioral Optometry, and Ophthalmological and Behavioral Optics, among others. This research has established a hereditary component of the disorder (Loew & Watson, 2012; Robinson, Foreman, & Dear, 2000; Robinson, Foreman, Dear & Sparkes, 2004), a number of biochemical markers for problems associated with Irlen Syndrome (Robinson, Roberts, McGregor, Dunstan, & Butt, 1999; Robinson, McGregor, Roberts, Dunstan & Butt, 2001; Sparkes, Robinson, Dunstan, & Roberts, 2003), and differences between both the anatomy and functioning of brains of individuals with Irlen Syndrome (Chouinard, Zhou, Hrybousky, Kim, & Commine, 2012; Huang, Zong, Wilkins, Jenkins, Bozoki, & Cao, 2011; Lewine, Davis, Provencal, Edgar, & Orrison, 1997; Riddell, Wilkins, & Hainline, 2006; Yellen & Schweller, 2009). The research has repeatedly documented efficacy of both colored overlays and spectral filters, as measured by improvements in a variety of reading skills (Bouldoukian, Wilkins, & Evans, 2002; Nobel, Orton, Irlen & Robinson, 2004; Park, Kim, Cho, Joo, 2012; Robinson & Foreman, 1999; Tyrrell, Holland, Dennis, & Wilkins, 1995; Williams, LeCluyse, & Rock Faucheux, 1992; Wilkins, Evans, Brown, Busby, Wingfield, Jeanes & Bald, 1994), reduction in physical symptoms that include headaches, migraines, eye strain, fatigue, and light sensitivity (Barbolini, Lazzerini, Pini, Steiner, Del Cecchio, Migaldi, & Cavallini, 2009; Bulmer, 1994; Chronicle & Wilkins, 1991; Huang et al., 2011; Wilkins & Wilkinson, 1991), and improved functioning and success in both academia and the workplace (Bulmer, 1994; Irlen & Robinson, 1996; Robinson & Conway, 1994; Robinson & Conway, 2000; Whiting & Robinson, 1988; Whiting, Robinson, & Parrot, 1994).
Irlen Syndrome is a real condition, with severe consequences if left undiagnosed. Sadly, the disorder is poorly understood, and regularly left untreated, or mistaken for other problems. Ironically, it is quick and easy to screen for, diagnose, and treat with non-invasive, inexpensive colored overlay and spectral filter technology. Relief and improvement are immediate, thereby allowing students to take full advantage of standard instruction and remediation offered to them. More information about Irlen Syndrome and the Irlen Method can be found at www.irlen.com.
Lots of people ask us, “what’s the difference between Irlen Syndrome and Dyslexia?” Many of the symptoms can be similar, so how do you know which problem your really have? Well, first, let’s define Dyslexia.
According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.” A formal definition of dyslexia used by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states, “It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and / or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.“
At its core, current experts agree that dyslexia is a language-based disorder, and treatment generally focuses on using a multisensory structured language approach to help individuals with dyslexia strengthen the brain pathways that connect speech with print. In fact, it is a misnomer that the telltale sign of dyslexia is seeing words backwards. Instead, it is an inability to connect the letters and words they see on the page with their sounds and meanings.
In contrast, Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder, meaning that it relates specifically to how the brain processes the visual information it receives. It is not a language-based disorder and phonics-based instruction will not help someone with Irlen Syndrome improve in the same way it will help someone with dyslexia improve their reading skills. At its core, Irlen Syndrome is a light sensitivity, where individuals are sensitive to a specific wavelength of light and this sensitivity is what causes the physical and visual symptoms that people with Irlen Syndrome experience. People with Irlen Syndrome have difficulty reading not because their brains have difficulty connecting the letters they see with the sounds those letters make, but because they see distortions on the printed page, or because the white background or glare hurts their eyes, gives them a headache, or makes them fall asleep when trying to read.
Unlike dyslexia, difficulties experienced as a result of Irlen Syndrome can reach well beyond just reading. People with Irlen Syndrome have difficulty processing all visual information, not just words on a printed page, so they often experience difficulty with depth perception, driving, sports performance, and other areas not generally connected with dyslexia.
It is possible for someone to suffer from both dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome, and proper treatment for both disorders should be sought out. For more information about Irlen Syndrome, visit http://irlen.com/what-is-irlen-syndrome/.
Join Helen Irlen as she talks with host, Alex Doman, from The Listening Program, brought to you by Advanced Brain Technologies. In this free teleseminar, Helen Irlen will discuss how colored filters can eliminate environmental stress to allow the brain to function at peak performance. Register now to reserve your spot and have the opportunity to ask Helen questions live on the air.
September 15-16, 2014, representatives from Irlen will be participating in the Infinite Hero Foundation’s Veterans Innovation Summit for Investing and Technology (VISIT). More than 200 partners and thought leaders, committed to innovating and investing in current and future technology for military veterans and families, will be in attendance. Pioneers in science, technology, medicine and veteran services will come together with corporate visionaries, social entrepreneurs and the investment community to exchange ideas and engage in stimulating peer-to-peer conversations about accelerating rehabilitation and reintegration.
Hosted by lnfinite Hero Foundation, the two-day summit will be held at Oakley’s global headquarters in Foothill Ranch, Calif. and feature engaging presentations and discussions that address mental and physical recovery for veterans following combat. In addition to tackling challenging issues such as war trauma to the mind and body, carefully curated presentations on topics such as the civilian-military disconnect will facilitate productive discussions with a shared goal to foster resilience and well-being among heroic veterans and unwavering support from American citizens and corporations. Irlen will be sharing relevant information and research on the use of Irlen Spectral Filters to treat chronic headaches, migraines, and light sensitivity resulting from combat-related blast injuries, concussion and brain trauma. We’re very excited to be a part of this special event!
About Infinite Hero Foundation A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Infinite Hero Foundation combats the most difficult front line issues – mental and physical – facing returning military heroes and their families. The Foundation funds programs that drive innovation and the accessibility of effective treatments for military heroes and their families dealing with service-related mental and physical injuries. For more information, visit: www.infinitehero.org.
Helen Irlen and Sandra Tosta from the Irlen Institute International Headquarters joined a long list of technology innovators, military leaders, and philanthropic representatives to discuss Veteran’s Issues surrounding recovery and rehabilitation at the Veteran’s Innovation Summit (VISIT) organized by the Infinite Hero Foundation. VISIT, held on September 15-16 at Oakley’s Corporate Headquarters in Southern California, was a fantastic bringing together of researchers, innovators, doctors, military leaders, veteran’s affairs personnel, and philanthropic organizations, in a grand effort to share best practices and ideas for cooperative efforts aimed at improving the mental and physical recovery for returning military veterans.
Irlen joined representatives from the Semper Fi Fund, who currently provide the funding necessary to supply Irlen Spectral Filters to servicemen and women, to share the ways Irlen has already impacted the lives of hundreds of US military personnel suffering from chronic headaches and migraines as a result of concussion or brain trauma.
We were joined by three incredible servicemen, SgtMaj. (Ret.) James Smith Jr., GySgt. Ryan Pieraccini, and SSgt. (Ret.) Chris Saunders, who graciously shared their personal stories of how Irlen Spectral Filters have changed their lives.
Presenters included retired 4-star General Peter Chiarelli (U.S. Army), ABC War Correspondent Mike Boettcher, brain expert Daniel Amen MD, founder of the IAVA Paul Rieckhoff, managing editor of Forbes Media Bruce Upbin, Skip Rizzo PhD from the Institute of Creative Technologies at USC, Oakley CEO Colin Baden, executive director of the Call of Duty Endowment Dan Goldenberg, and many many more.
This two-day event was inspiring and invigorating, and Irlen would like to thank the Infinite Hero Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, and Oakley for this wonderful opportunity to dialogue and exchange with thought leaders and activists in the world of rehabilitation and recovery for military veterans. To find out more about how Irlen is helping our military and veterans, CLICK HERE.
International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week Highlights Visual Stress Disorder Affecting 15% Of The Population
Global Activities and Events Planned for October 20-24, 2014
Long Beach, CA (September 24, 2014) – The Irlen® Institute announces that the first annual International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week will take place from October 20-24, 2014. Approximately 15% of the general population suffers from Irlen Syndrome, the brain’s inability to process visual information, affecting daily functioning. Patients of all ages and ethnicities may experience Syndrome symptoms, which include light sensitivity, headaches or migraines, difficulty or discomfort when reading, eye strain, and distorted print text or environment.
Irlen Syndrome affects huge sectors of the population, but is not yet identified by standard educational or medical tests. The Awareness Week will draw attention to staggering numbers: 50% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties, 30% of people with ADHD and autism, and approximately 15% of the general population struggle with Irlen Syndrome. Unfortunately, most of these sufferers remain unaware of the true source of their problems. Irlen Syndrome has also been linked to brain injury, chronic headaches and migraines.
The Institute’s Founder Helen Irlen says, “Irlen Syndrome is more common than heart disease or asthma, and affects daily quality of life in serious ways. By increasing awareness, we hope to move away from costly misdiagnoses and help sufferers access readily available solutions .”
Irlen’s academic research, first conducted under a federal grant decades ago, indicated that visual processing could be significantly improved with personalized spectral filters. Irlen®’s color-based technology has helped millions of individuals around the world with its lenses and overlays.
Failure to identify and treat Irlen Syndrome can have severe consequences, ranging from academic and workplace failure or ongoing physical and emotional symptoms, to increased likelihood to enter the criminal justice system. International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week highlights the importance and ease of correctly identifying and treating Irlen Syndrome.
AWARENESS WEEK EVENTS
The public is asked to learn and share information about Irlen Syndrome through the Week’s webinars, lectures, free mini-screenings for Irlen Syndrome, and by raising awareness on social media. Celebrity Irlen testimonials will highlight personal experiences. A “Turn Out the Lights” event Tuesday, October 21 at 10 a.m. local time asks supporters everywhere to turn out their fluorescent lights for one minute in support of Irlen Syndrome sufferers. Complimentary Irlen® self-tests are also available online at Irlen.com.
HOW TO SUPPORT
The Irlen® Institute works in cooperation with nonprofits and other organizations in the United States and around the world to facilitate prompt diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals with Irlen Syndrome. Partners include the Learning Research Association and The Semper Fi Fund. A full list of affiliated organizations may be found on the Irlen® website.
ABOUT THE IRLEN® INSTITUTE
The Irlen® Institute is dedicated to identifying and helping individuals suffering from visual processing disorder, or Irlen Syndrome. Irlen® offers a range of research-supported solutions for sufferers, using proprietary color technology to immediately correct visual perception. Helen Irlen and the Irlen® Method have been featured in 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, BBC, ABC Worldwide News with Peter Jennings, NBC News, National Geographic and numerous tv shows around the world. Today, more than 170 Irlen®-affiliated clinics and thousands of certified screeners are available to identify Irlen Syndrome worldwide. For more information about the Irlen® Institute and International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week or to find the practitioner nearest you, please visit www.Irlen.com
Holy cow! What a fantastic three days we just had at the Bulletproof Conference in Pasadena, California (September 26-28). If you don’t know about Bulletproof, you should. Bulletproof is the brainchild of Dave Asprey, a mastermind in utilizing the latest techniques to optimize the potential of both body and mind. This year’s conference was a thrilling three days, filled with world-renowned keynote speakers and the latest and greatest technologies and techniques to optimize human mental and physical performance. Helen Irlen spoke to the audience full of inspired biohackers on Friday, September 26, to share how Irlen Spectral Filters can eliminate unwanted stress and strain on the brain and allow for optimized brain function and performance.
Helen Irlen with Dave Asprey, Bulletproof founder and Irlen Spectral Filter Wearer
34 other human performance luminaries took the stage over the course of the weekend, including:
Steven Kotler — best selling author of “The Rise of Superman” and co-founder of the Flow Genome Project
Jim Kwik — world leader in memory and speed reading training
Daniel Amen, MD — founder of the Amen Clinics
Daniel Vitalis — leading health, nutrition, and personal development strategist
Jack Kruse, MD — neurosurgeon and optimal health educator
Conference attendees were from all over the world, including Sweden, South Africa, France, and England. We loved spending the weekend with all of these exceptionally brilliant and talented individuals, and enjoyed offering nearly 100 free pre-screenings for Irlen Syndrome in honor of our upcoming Irlen Awareness Week!
Lucy Lawless, actress, activist and musician best known for playing the title character of the internationally successful television series Xena: Warrior Princess talks about the importance of having children tested for Irlen Syndrome and changes in her own children who wear Irlen Spectral Filters. For more information, please go to: www.irlen.com
Global Activities and Events Planned for October 20-24, 2014
LONG BEACH, CA–(Marketwired – October 20, 2014) – The Irlen Institute is proud to mark the start of Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week (ISAW), taking place from October 20-24. Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing disorder that affects 15% of the general population, 50% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties, and 30% of people with ADHD and autism. Irlen Syndrome has also been linked to traumatic brain injury in athletes and others.
Irlen Syndrome symptoms may include light sensitivity, particularly bright or fluorescent lighting, headaches or migraines, eye strain, distorted text or environment, and difficulty or discomfort reading. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD and other afflictions, some involving medication. However, early and prompt identification can prevent a lifetime of academic struggles that can lead to school failure, damage to self-esteem, and unrealized potential. Although it is hereditary, it may be acquired, and many NFL football players and professional athletes have found Irlen’s non-invasive solutions relieve their symptoms.
Founder Helen Irlen says, “Millions of people worldwide are suffering from Irlen Syndrome and not finding answers because they don’t know this issue exists. Simply wearing specialized tinted filters can completely change how a person functions on a day-to-day basis. We have an obligation to educate the public about the problem and this easy solution.”
Wearers of Irlen® spectral filters have reported wide-ranging improvements including better academic and reading performance, depth perception, attention and concentration, and reduction in physical symptoms like headaches, migraines and nausea.
During ISAW, celebrities will share their personal experiences with Irlen Syndrome. Lucy Lawless, star of Xena: Warrior Princess, will discuss the identification of her children and the important role of parents in having children screened (WATCH NOW). Bulletproof CEO Dave Asprey, a devoted Irlen® Spectral Filter wearer, has already led the charge, recommending Irlen®’s solutions to his biohacking community and featuring the company at his recent Bulletproof conference.
Today’s standard medical or educational tests do not screen for Irlen Syndrome, leaving a huge and problematic gap in personal care. To meet this need, the Irlen Institute offers screening via over 170 affiliated clinics and has trained over 10,000 screeners around the world. As part of Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week, complimentary pre-screenings are available at select locations around the world.
HOW TO SUPPORT The public is encouraged to support organizations working with Irlen® Institute to identify and care for sufferers. These organizations include the Learning Research Association, theSemper Fi Fund, which focuses on the needs of U.S. Armed Forces and their families (donations may be earmarked for Irlen® care), ABC For Reading and Reading By Colour in the UK. A full list is available on the Irlen® website.
ABOUT THE IRLEN® INSTITUTE The Irlen® Institute is dedicated to identifying and helping individuals suffering from visual processing disorder, or Irlen Syndrome. Irlen® offers a range of research-supported solutions for sufferers, using proprietary color technology to immediately improve visual perception. Helen Irlen and the Irlen® Method have been featured in 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, BBC, ABC Worldwide News with Peter Jennings, NBC News, National Geographic and numerous tv shows around the world. Today, more than 170 Irlen®-affiliated clinics and thousands of certified screeners are available to identify Irlen Syndrome worldwide. For more information about the Irlen® Institute and International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week or to find the practitioner nearest you, please visit www.Irlen.com
Paddy Considine Proudly Wears His Irlen Spectral Filters
British actor, Paddy Considine, has taken to Twitter to help spread the word about Irlen Syndrome for Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week (ISAW). Known for his work in such film and TV as The Bourne Ultimatum, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End, and The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, Paddy discovered his Irlen Syndrome just last year. He has repeatedly given his voice to help raise awareness and educate the public about Irlen Syndrome and how it has affected his own life.
Today, Paddy spoke out to his Twitter followers, saying “My Irlen lenses are often mistaken for sunglasses, but they help calm my visual world.” This simple statement rang true with Twitter followers and sparked an active dialogue filling twitter feeds throughout the day.
We think Paddy’s face says it all! We’re glad your Irlen Spectral Filters bring that wonderful smile to your face Mr. Considine.
Have you joined the conversation? Find us on Twitter @SeeIrlen and #IrlenAwareness.
International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week (ISAW) reached all corners of the globe, with exciting awareness events in places like Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada the United Kingdom, and the United States (just to name a few). Awareness efforts took on all shapes and sizes, from large-scale government and educator conferences to students making presentations in their own classrooms, yet each effort likely changed a life (or two or three or more!). We can’t possibly list all of the different events that happened during Irlen Awareness Week, but we wanted to share a few awareness events, efforts, and experiences here.
Awareness Week kicked off a day early with a radio interview of Helen Irlen on The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio on Sunday, October 19.
In the United States, CBS National News shared 8-year-old twins, Allison and Avery’s, story. Click image below to view the video, if you missed the live broadcast!
Irlen Awareness in Canada gets special support, as mayors of two cities in Alberta, Canada sign proclamations declaring Irlen Awareness week in their city.
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Beke Pyne in Australia spread the word via an edible message!
Irlen Diagnostician, Jean Felton, fires up the Channel Islands, UK with an Irlen Smart car, pizza party, multiple presentations, free mini-screenings, and grabs local media attention!
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Sheila, Michelle Williams and Lisa Boyle all died their hair rainbow colors to raise awareness.
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The Fernyhough- McAlpine family was busy during awareness week, speaking to media, being on the radio, and presenting in classrooms.
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Shaunie Katenicholas Featherbottom created a line of jewlery to raise funds to support those who can’t afford Irlen testing.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
The list of awareness activities doesn’t stop here. There were newspaper articles, radio broadcasts, presentations, and free pre-screenings offered all over the world. Children spoke in front of the classes and wore their Irlen Spectral Filters with pride, and everywhere, people turned out their lights at 10am on October 21st to show their support for people with Irlen Syndrome. We couldn’t be prouder or more grateful to everyone who joined us in this awareness effort and did whatever you could let people know about Irlen Syndrome. We are already looking forward to next year’s Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week (ISAW) and hope you plan to join us once again as we raise awareness of Irlen Syndrome to encourage early identification offer expert solutions!
It’s been exactly one month since we kicked off the first annual Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week (ISAW). ISAW was a huge success, raising awareness, excitement, and engagement with Irlen around the world. With the excitement of ISAW over, now what? What lies ahead for Irlen? What else is on the horizon to keep people excited and keep awareness growing? Fortunately, that’s an easy question to answer. We have a handful of new initiatives, new goals, and new exciting things to share.
Tweet Tweet Tweet
We’ll admit it, we were never huge fans of Twitter. We didn’t really understand why anyone other than Kim Kardashian would need Twitter, and we weren’t sure how using Twitter would help us disseminate the important message we have to share to the people who need to hear it most. We were wrong. Twitter turned out to be a wonderful source of information sharing during ISAW, andwe plan to continue tweeting our way through social media to share important information with you, not just about Irlen, but also about other things we think you want to know about (three cheers for the “retweet”!). So, if you have a Twitter account, don’t forget to find us @SeeIrlen and use the hashtag #Irlen when you tweet!
Overlay App
We know, we know, we’ve been promising this one for a while now, and we promise it’s really coming. In fact, it was almost finished when our developer disappeared and took all our hard work with him. But, have no fear, we promise that an overlay app for smartphones and tablets that makes Irlen colors available on these devices is just around the corner.
Overlay Skins For Computers
We know computer screens are a big issue too, and let’s face it, taping up your overlay to your screen is okay, but it’s not a great way to address the problem. We’re coming out with a line of overlay skins designed to stick onto your computer screen. Don’t worry, they’re completely removable.
Irlen Syndrome Foundation
Our biggest challenge has been finding a way to ensure that everyone who needs help for Irlen Syndrome is able to receive help. The newly branded nonprofit Irlen Syndrome Foundation (formerly the Learning Research Foundation) has taken on this important cause. As this nonprofit organization continues to grow it will become the main source of financial assistance for individuals who need Irlen services but can not afford them. The organization will also help fund research on Irlen Syndrome and expand awareness and outreach initiatives.
More Irlen Clinics
With over 170 Irlen clinics worldwide, there are a lot of places to receive help for Irlen Syndrome; however, we know there are still many places Irlen hasn’t reached. We’re looking to expand our network of trained Irlen practitioners to make sure there’s help for Irlen where you are – wherever that may be!
Helping Our Troops and Our Vets
We’re doing our best to expand our military and veteran services. Our partnership with the Semper Fi Fund has done wonderful things to help make Irlen services available to current and former members of armed forces, and a new partnership with Oakley will help this program continue to grow.
These are just a few of the exciting things on the horizon for Irlen. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and through our bi-monthly newsletter to make sure you have all the latest and greatest updates and information. The future is bright and colorful, and we invite you to join us for the ride!
If you’ve ever visited the Irlen Institute International Headquarters in Long Beach, California, you’ll know that at Irlen, we have a holistic approach to wellness. We know that what you eat, how you sleep, and what you might be allergic to (for example) can all impact how you feel and function just as much as Irlen Syndrome can. Our good friend, Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof, shares this holistic philosophy, so we asked Dave to share some of his knowledge about how we sleep and the food we eat in two guest posts. This first guest post focuses on sleep and the things you can do to improve your precious time spent under the covers! Next week, Dave will share with us some secrets about how mold in our food is making us sick, so make sure you check back!
10 Ways to Get Better Sleep
Most people have horrible sleep fitness. They waste time falling asleep and then spend hours in a light sleep state that doesn’t have the same body and brain-boosting benefits of deep and REM sleep. So how do you improve the quality of your sleep? The trick is to upgrade your metabolism with the Bulletproof Diet and then hack your sleep so you can sleep even better.
Fill up with fat at dinner
Fat is a long-burning fuel for your mind and body. Grass-fed butter, animal fat, and coconut oil are all good choices, but extra concentrated MCT oil is my personal favorite. The shortest length fats of MCT oil are converted into ketones that are immediately used as fuel for your brain, and MCT oil also helps you burn body fat while you sleep. I’ve noticed that I think faster and more clearly the next morning if I have 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil the night before with dinner or even right before bed.
Fuel with low-mercury fish (or krill) oil
DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, has a lot of benefits such as protecting against the negative effects of fructose on brain function, improving mood and reducing anxiety and depression, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing muscle growth. Studies have shown that fish oil, which contains DHA, aids in the secretion of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of wellness, and lowers stress hormones that can interfere with sleep. I recommend consuming 1 gram of fish or krill oil either with dinner or at bedtime.
Prime with protein
Our bodies use protein for muscle repair and immune function. The muscle repair happens at night during deep sleep, so you want to make sure your body has all the raw materials it needs at night to heal and grow new tissue. The problem is that most forms of protein are not well digested before bed. A lot of protein powders and even most sources of animal protein take a lot of work to digest and can leave you with a heavy feeling during the night.
Too much protein also raises an alertness chemical in the brain called orexin, which can disrupt your sleep. The solution I recommend is taking 1-2 tablespoons of hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen peptide before bed. Hydrolyzing the proteins makes them more digestible so they don’t cause the problems listed above.
Try raw honey
This is a powerful sleep hack that you should try on its own, not in combination with the protein supplements listed above. Your brain uses a lot of energy while you’re sleeping. One efficient form of brain energy comes from the sugar that is stored in your liver called liver glycogen.
Your brain taps your liver glycogen before hitting the stored sugar in your muscles (muscle glycogen), so having a little extra sugar before bed can help your brain function better at night. Taking a small amount of honey by itself before bed will raise blood glucose while you sleep, putting you in a deeper sleep faster.
Turn down the lights
For at least a half-hour before going to bed try to avoid bright lights. Dim your office lights if you absolutely must be working this close to bedtime and kill the unhealthy florescent ones. Don’t stare at your TV, iPhone, or iPad until you’ve dimmed it all the way, either. Even five minutes of white light from a screen shuts off your melatonin production for four hours and can wreck the quality of your sleep, so it’s best to avoid screens in the evening entirely.
Avoid violent media
Watching graphic violence on TV might make it harder for you to fall and stay asleep. Watching violence tends to activate your brain to look for threats, and when you try to go to sleep it’s harder to get out of fight or flight.
Don’t exercise near bedtime
You should not exercise for at least two hours before going to bed, unless you count restorative yoga and breathing exercises as exercises. Exercise is highly energizing and raises your cortisol levels, which interferes with sleep.
Don’t drink coffee past the afternoon
Coffee puts your mind in an amazing place where you become more productive and perform better. However, you need to let your mind rest after its high output performances. In general, don’t drink coffee after 2:00 PM or at least 8 hours before bedtime, whichever comes first.
Go to bed before your second wind
There is a window from 10:45 and 11p.m. or so when you naturally get tired. This moves a little bit based on the season. If you don’t go to sleep then and choose to stay awake, you’ll get a cortisol-driven “second wind” that can keep you awake until 2 a.m. You’ll also get better sleep when you go to bed before 11 p.m. and wake up feeling more rested than if you’d gotten the same amount of sleep starting later.
Bring down your stress
Perhaps the most common reason people report not being able to sleep is that they don’t know how to clear their minds and stop worrying. Deep breathing exercises like Art of Living, pranayama yoga, and meditation can do wonders for helping your brain shut down, recuperate, and prepare for another day of Bulletproof high performance
Quality sleep is one of the most important variables to improve your brain function, longevity, and performance in all aspects of life. By following the advice of the Bulletproof Diet, you’ll be able to enjoy these benefits of better quality sleep.
Dave Asprey is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who spent 15 years and $300,000 to hack his own biology, losing 100 pounds, upgrading his IQ, and lowering his biological age. He runs the No. 1-ranked iTunes health podcast and The Bulletproof Executive blog about using biohacking to increase human performance — and he invented Bulletproof Coffee.
Last week, we shared some key pointers on how to get better sleep from our good friend, Dave Asprey. Dave knows a thing or two about food too, so this week, he’s helping us determine whether the food we eat (or the mold in it) is actually making us sick! We hope you enjoy this second post in our two-part Bulletproof series! Happy holidays to all of you from all of us here at the Irlen Institute.
Can’t Figure Out What’s Making You Sick? It Could Be Mold In Your Food
By: Dave Asprey
Are you doing everything the health “experts” recommend and still struggling to feel good, lose weight, and keep your energy up? This could be because of a hidden problem no one talks about. If you can’t figure out what’s making you sick, it’s probably the mold in your food.
The damaging impact of mold
Both as a kid and later as an adult I unknowingly lived in several moldy houses. Because of the repeat exposure, my immune system is more sensitive than the average person’s to mold in my environment or in my food. On a business trip to the UK, I once went down into the Tube and noticed the dank air. By the time I reached the end of the passenger tunnel and got on the train, I started to feel like I was hung over and even had some visual hallucinations. That’s how sensitive I am to mold as a result of repeated exposure. Right after that experience in the tube, I had profound cravings for sugar and fat, and it took almost a full day before it felt like my brain had turned back on.
This experience enabled me to help clients identify why they have seemingly inexplicable declines in mental and physical performance and led me to learn more about the biochemistry of mold exposure both in sensitive people like me (about 28% of the population), and in the rest of us. If you’re not feeling amazing, there is always a reason!
Mold in our coffee
I’ve known for a long time that being in a moldy environment was awful for cognitive performance, but it was coffee that first turned me on to mold toxins in food. Coffee has been a great passion of mine since I first discovered that it improved my grades in college.
Imagine my dismay a few years later when I began to notice that coffee wasn’t serving me. I’d drink it, get a boost, and then start to feel fatigued and cranky, like I needed more coffee. I was constantly upping my dose, which sometimes led to headaches. Wanting to rid myself of these symptoms, I gave up the black brew for five long, dark years
One day, coffee’s siren call was strong enough to compel me to have “just one cup,” and I felt amazing. No crash. No jitters. No headache. Just pure focus, the way I remembered. I was elated that coffee appeared to no longer be a problem for me.
I had another cup of coffee though, and this time I felt anxious and weak, and later my joints hurt – totally not Bulletproof. But this time the biohacker in me realized that the key variable wasn’t me; it was the coffee! I dug into the biochemistry of coffee and the agricultural and economic research to discover that all coffee is not the same, and that coffee often carries naturally occurring mold toxins. It turned out that my reaction to certain coffees had nothing to do with the coffee; it was a reaction to the mold on the coffee.
Mold in our food
Mold toxins aren’t found only in coffee; they are commonly found in all sorts of food crops. Mold grows on crops and secretes toxins long before the food is harvested, making this a widespread problem that is not news in the agricultural community. Besides coffee, the main sources of mold toxins in your diet are wheat, corn, and other grains, but peanuts, fruit, chocolate, and wine are often tainted with mold toxins, too.
Mold toxins accumulate in the milk from cows that ate contaminated grains[i]. In fact, grain-fed animal products often pose a higher mold toxin risk than the grains themselves because the mold toxin controls on animal feed are much more lenient than the controls on grains in our human food supply, and corn-fed and grain-fed animals accumulate mold toxins in their fat. In fact, one of the unacknowledged reasons low carb diets work is that when you eliminate grains, you end up with a lower level of mold toxins in your food. Not only are you what you eat; you are what your food ate!
Mold toxins are sneaky because there is no way to tell for sure whether or not they are in a certain batch of food. For instance, one bag of nuts maybe perfectly clean, but another bag from a different batch may contain levels of mold toxins that will make you weak – even though you can’t taste them. Our big brains make us the most susceptible mammal on earth to the effects of mold toxins, and it’s important to know that mold toxins may be causing your unexplained fatigue or making your focus waiver.
Cutting out mold
Mold is a common problem in my high performance clients and eliminating high-risk foods usually helps with brain focus first. This is why the Bulletproof Diet goes far beyond a regular Paleo or low toxin diet by drastically reducing foods known to be commonly contaminated with mold toxins and acknowledging that they impact how you function long before they make you outright ill.
The Bulletproof diet gives you a clear guide for cutting toxins out of your diet, including mold. For example, with food it’s best to avoid gluten grains and most dairy products and replacing them with high-quality proteins, fats, and vegetables. For coffee, one way you can avoid mold is by buying high-quality beans from a single source.
The Bulletproof Diet is not an all or nothing approach; it’s a simple road map that will help you make better choices so you can eat more of the foods that move your health and performance in the right direction and fewer of the ones that don’t support your goals. With this advice, you’ll cut out the hidden toxins like mold that are making you sick.
Dave Asprey is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who spent 15 years and $300,000 to hack his own biology, losing 100 pounds, upgrading his IQ, and lowering his biological age. He runs the No. 1-ranked iTunes health podcast and The Bulletproof Executive blog about using biohacking to increase human performance — and he invented Bulletproof Coffee.
