Abilities OT & Irlen Diagnostic Center provides educational consultation, occupational therapy, Irlen Screenings & Diagnostic Testing, environmental assessments, ADA/504 expert witness services, and professional development trainings for clients of all ages and professionals involved in remediation.
Our focus is to provide an accurate diagnosis and targeted remediation strategies demonstrating immediate and long-term benefits. We serve children and adults with a variety of conditions including scotopic sensitivity syndrome, or Irlen Syndrome, a sensory processing disorder which contributes to symptoms of: light sensitivity, visual stress, anxieties, dyslexia/dyscalculia (reading/math problems), dysgraphia (handwriting/copying), ADD/ADHD, autism, chronic migraines, visual stress, brain injuries, Lyme Disease, and other conditions affected by bright lights, especially fluorescent lighting, high contrast patterns, text on white background, sustained attention, sports performance, night/daytime driving, working at a computer monitor, and visual distortions.
Irlen Pre-Screener (3 CE hours) & Irlen Screener Certification (15-30 CE hours) Trainings are held regularly at our main office in Baltimore, MD, as well as, sponsored internationally at various locations. If interested in sponsoring an training, please contact us for details. AOTSS and IrlenVLCMD are nationally certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association Approved Provider Program for CE for OTs/OTAs. CEUs/PDUs available for other professional licensing boards (presently MSWs and MSDE Educators). Internet trainings and specially trained staff provide ongoing training, CEUs, and mentoring. Our staff has over 35 years experience as therapists, educators and professional development providers nationally.
AOTSS’ staff of special educators and therapists are trained in a variety of interventions and programs to address the needs of struggling students, students with disablilities, and educators. In-service training programs can be geared towards the specific needs of organizations, student populations, and advocacy groups. Our staff is trained in assistive technology solutions, environmental assessment for compliance with legal guildelines, and educational programs for maximizing student performance.
The process:
Submit the Irlen Symptom Checklist and Client Registration Form. A specialist will review the information and call or email to set up a testing date or discuss the symptoms. FREE 15 minute phone consultation is available.
Irlen Screening (1-2 hours) to achieve proper diagnosis, specific Irlen overlay(s) selection, and reasonable accommodation plan. An Irlen Screening Checklist Report is included with suggestions for home and classroom modifications to improve performance and decrease stress. Irlen Overlays are used to improve reading , math, computer work by decreasing visual stress, glare sensitivity and visual distortions. This will determine with accuracy who will benefit from Irlen Diagnostic Testing and Irlen Spectral Filters. Immediate benefits are observed in this testing session.
Vision exam within a year of Irlen Diagnostic Testing. Bring a copy of your RX with your Pupillary Distance (PD) and any relevant reports from vision therapy, educational testing, etc.
Irlen Diagnostic Assessment (2-4 hours) will determine with accuracy which combination of irlen colored filters will provide the greatest relief from symptoms of visual sensory stress. Immediate improvements are observed and one testing session is all that is needed. Occasionally a brief follow session is needed to fine tune the tint for greater accuracy. Yearly retint exams are recommended to insure tints have not faded and are the most accurate to minimize the most stress and distortions.
Yearly Retint Exams (1-2 hours). Irlen tints can usually be retinted inexpensively to fine tune existing colors or adjust for fading. Filters for retinting must be scratch free in the visual field. Retint session may be done by other Irlen Diagnosticians if you move or are traveling. Irlen Diagnostic Centers are found in 27 states in the US and 47 countries. See www.irlen.com to find testing center.
Some services may be reimbursable for OT from your health insurance or flexible spending account. Services and tints may be tax deductible as a medical or special education expense. A coded receipt will be provided upon request only from service provided in our Maryland location.
