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 recentBulletproof 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