Attention Deficit Disorder ADD/HD

Is it ADD/HD or is it Irlen Syndrome?

Just because your child seems inattentive, rushes through activities, makes careless errors, daydreams, or seems unmotivated doesn’t necessarily mean ADD/HD is to blame.

Does your child avoid doing homework? Give up easily? Rush through assignments? All of these are coping strategies children use to deal with academic difficulties which may be the result of Irlen Syndrome, not attention deficit disorder. Telling a child to pay more attention or keep trying may not be helpful. This may only contribute to your child feeling dumb, stupid, or bad.

How the Irlen Method Can Help

As many as one third of people diagnosed with attention deficit disorder may suffer from Irlen Syndrome. Irlen Spectral Filters will eliminate attention problems for this group. The Irlen Method is noninvasive and does not require the use of medication. In some cases, individuals wear Irlen Spectral Filters in addition to taking medication but may need less medication to stay focused and attentive.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Restlessness and impulsivity always indicate the need for medication.
Fact: Other problems can also cause these same behaviors including food sensitivities, allergies, learning difficulties, reading problems, and Irlen Syndrome. Children who can be helped by the Irlen Method become fidgety and restless sitting under fluorescent lighting. They have difficulty reading and doing academic tasks on white paper and need to take breaks. They look up and look away. This behavior can be misinterpreted as having attention deficit disorder.

Myth: Difficulty concentrating, staring or staying on task always indicates the need for medication.
Fact: Difficulties with academics, reading and learning related to Irlen Syndrome can also cause these same behaviors. If a task is hard to do or causes physical symptoms, such as headaches, sleepiness or makes your eyes hurt, medication may not be the answer or simply part of the answer.

The Irlen Method can make reading and other academic tasks less frustrating and more comfortable so the child will want to do the work. Do not neglect to investigate other causes for academic problems.

Myth: Medication is always the answer to ADD/HD.
Fact: Color can make a difference. There may be a noninvasive solution using Irlen colored overlays or wearing Irlen colored glasses.

What Do I Do First? Irlen Overlays or Medication

Try the Irlen Method first if:

• Your child experiences difficulties with attention and concentration when doing reading, homework, or other academic tasks.
• Problems concentrating when reading or writing
• Easily distracted when reading or writing
• Easily distracted when taking tests
• Problems staying on task when reading or working
• Problems starting academic tasks and homework
• Daydreams in class
• Your child has more problems focusing or staying with academic tasks when working under bright or fluorescent lights.

Try Medication first if:
Your child is impulsive, distractible and has difficulty staying on task when engaged in fun activities, even when playing games, watching TV, or sitting at the dinner table.