In sum, colored overlays are a common but controversial intervention for individuals with a range of reading problems, including dyslexia. The current study followed the procedure most frequently used in research on colored overlays, and simply placed a colored overlay over text to filter the light. Whether this is the precise procedure prescribed by the Irlen Method is unclear as the protocols used by the Irlen Institute are proprietary and not widely known (Kruk et al. After the color of overlay is chosen, most researchers and practitioners deliver the intervention by simply placing the colored overlay over the text prior to reading (Ritchie et al. The procedure is typically an assessment method based on trial-and-error (Willis and Lockee 2009), but it has been shown that there is relatively little variation in color effect, so specificity in color selection does not appear critical (Wilkins et al. When selecting a colored overlay to use, individuals with reading difficulties essentially choose their preferred color when given a field of overlays presented over text or are asked to read with different colors to determine which one makes a difference while reading. Although the use of colored overlays is largely controversial, they continue to be commonly used by educators and parents to treat reading difficulties (Helveston 1990) and are purported to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of dyslexia (Kriss and Evans 2005). It should be noted that research supporting the effectiveness of colored filters in individuals with reading difficulties has been questioned due to design flaws (Handler and Fierson 2011 Ritchie et al. Wilkins ( 2002) found a significant difference in the rate of reading in the group using a colored overlay compared to a control group. 1990) found improved reading rate and accuracy when the individual with reading difficulties read with the preferred color of overlay. ( 2011) also found that there was no immediate benefit of colored overlays on reading difficulties. ( 1998) found that colored filters in the form of an overlay did not differentially affect the reading rate or accuracy of individuals with and without reading disabilities. 1990 Helveston 1990 Solan and Richman 1990 Williams et al. However, both the existence of SSS and the usefulness of colored filters are controversial (Blaskey et al. Colored filters are intended to relieve these issues and improve reading performance. Individuals with a diagnosis of SSS may have difficulty fluently reading a text or may quickly become fatigued while reading. The theory underlying colored overlays as a treatment is that many cases of dyslexia are attributable to SSS. Colored overlays are promoted by various groups and commonly referred to as the “Irlen Method” (Irlen 1991 Sawyer et al. Colored overlays have become so common, they are now considered an approved accommodation for standardized tests in several states including California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Oklahoma (“Published Research,” n.d., para.1). This claim may be because visual stress often co-occurs with dyslexia (Singleton and Trotter 2005 Singleton and Henderson 2007). 1999 Rickelman & Henk, 1990 “What is Irlen Syndrome,” n.d.). Colored overlays are claimed to alleviate visual stress and improve symptoms commonly related to dyslexia such as low reading rate, accuracy, and comprehension (Evans et al. This syndrome has been hypothesized as sensitivity to frequencies of the light spectrum that causes visual stress (Hoyt 1990). A variety of claims are made that colored overlays can help individuals who are experiencing a range of difficulties such as low reading fluency characteristic of reading problems and dyslexia (Wyman 2013), poor eye contact typical of autism, and depth perception issues caused by traumatic brain injuries (“Who We Help,” n.d.).Ĭolored overlays are most closely linked with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS), also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome or Irlen Syndrome (Loew and Watson 2012). Colored overlays are plastic reading sheets tinted with color and placed over text (Wilkins 2003). Colored lenses are lenses tinted with color and worn in eyeglasses. There are different forms of colored filters including lenses and overlays. Colored filters are used in classrooms and homes to alleviate reading difficulties that are associated with learning disabilities including dyslexia.
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