Seasonal Affective Disorder and Irlen Syndrome
As the seasons change and holiday stress creeps in, there are several ways Abilities OT Accessibility Consultants and Irlen Diagnosticians can help determine environmental and biological stressors impacting your mental, physical and emotional health so you can maximize your holiday enjoyment.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs around the seasonal change, as fall moves into winter, when daylight is shorter and the cold weather provides less opportunity for outdoor activity. It starts to dissipate once early spring rolls around. Seasonal Affective Disorder is related to decreased exposure to natural daylight and increased exposure to artificial lighting and use of electronic devices, especially with use of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and traditional fluorescent lighting.
Irlen Spectral Filters and some types of light therapy are two effective methods of treatment for SAD. Light therapy uses a specially designed light box to expose you to simulated warm, bright, natural “outdoor” light at the start of the day. By mimicking the natural sunrise and activating the positive brain chemicals associated with it, mood-related symptoms can improve. Reducing artificial lighting can also help to alleviate problems associated with Dyslexia, migraines, nausea, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders and depression. Other solutions are skylights, working in a room with windows and sunlight exposure, and increased Vitamin D. Consultation with your physician and a specially trained Irlen Diagnostician can provide precise and appropriate solutions and immediately effective interventions. Increased exercise, including sensory motor interventions like Brain Gym Exercises (www.braingym.org).
Irlen Spectral Filters are tinted prescription or no prescription lenses worn as glasses or contact lenses that filter adverse light frequencies entering the visual system and causing stress in the brain. Irlen Filters can be customized to assist with light sensitivity or headaches/migraines associated with extended periods under artificial lighting and electronic devises. These filters are customized for each client via a comprehensive screening and diagnostic testing process lasting about 3-5 hours in 1-2 sessions with immediate and long-term improvements and benefits such as less sensory stress, neurological pain, increased light tolerance, improved immune system function, learning, reading fluency and accuracy, attention and focus, memory, and less fatigue. By minimizing or eliminating stress, improved mental and emotional wellbeing can result immediately. Visual stress can impact a person’s ability to function from childhood through adulthood, or can result from illnesses like Lyme Disease or trauma like concussions or other neurological issues. Our team of experts can help evaluate and network vital resources to maintain health and wellness, especially at this challenging time of year.
Holiday Stress
Winter months can also bring holiday stress along with it. Some of the most common manifestations of holiday stress include depression, anxiety, restlessness, sensory overload, migraines and headaches.
What is Irlen Syndrome?
Irlen Syndrome is a disorder that affects about 15% of the general population and a whopping 50% of people with learning and reading problems. Children and adults with Irlen Syndrome struggle to properly process visual and sensory input due to light sensitivity overloading the brain. People with Irlen Syndrome can experience light sensitivity, reading and math problems, concentration difficulties, eye strain and fatigue, frequent migraines or headaches, severe anxiety, and impaired depth perception.
Irlen Screenings and Diagnostic Testing
The Irlen Method has two components, an initial screening by Irlen screeners and diagnosticians and Irlen colored overlays and glasses carefully determined by a trained professional. During International Irlen Syndrome Awareness Week, yearly In October, we will be offer free professional development trainings and pre-screenings free. The initial screening can help pinpoint whether or not diagnostic testing and Irlen spectral filters could help your brain function better. If the initial screening indicates that you could benefit from Irlen filters, our staff can set up an appointment for your spectral filter testing appointment. To schedule a phone consultation or testing session, go to our website www.AOTSS.com. To schedule professional trainings (CEU approvals for many licensing boards) call or email us via our website.
Increase Your Brain Health
If you are interested in learning more about Brain Gym and how to improve your brain health, schedule a free phone consultation, and learn more about the Irlen screening process, Irlen diagnostic testing, Irlen re-tint testing, and who we help. We can host a 2-hour introductory class at your organization, school or business to teach you more about our brain training process.
Get the Help That Your Family Needs
Abilities OT Accessibility consultants & Irlen diagnosticians are trained to provide specialized assessments and targeted interventions with immediate benefits. Call to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation and screening to determine if our specialized services can help. Our CEU Trainings are internationally recognized as valuable to determine who can be helped. We work with medical and design/build professionals. Become an Irlen Screener or Independent Living Specialist by registering for our free onsite or internet trainings and mentoring programs.
