Who Might Have Visual Processing Difficulties

Children and adults may experience may notice: frequent headaches, migraines, dizziness, stomach aches, or fatigue; discomfort in bright sunlight or glare; sensitivity to fluorescent or harsh indoor lighting; a preference for dimmer lighting; difficulty with headlights when travelling at night; visual discomfort caused by glare or reflections; strain or stress when using computers or screens; fatigue during sustained reading or visually demanding tasks; physical discomfort  when looking at stripes, patterns, or busy visuals; certain colours appearing overly bright or irritating; and snowy, rainy, or hazy days feeling uncomfortably glary. 

These physical symptoms often have multiple triggers. For some individuals, particularly children with reading difficulties, visual stress and light sensitivity play a significant role. Irlen screening can help identify whether targeted light sensitivity support may reduce discomfort and make everyday visual environments feel easier to manage.

Some children and adults, including those with reading difficulties, may experience physical or emotional reactions to bright or harsh lighting, such as:  

•  Discomfort from glare, fluorescent lights, bright sunlight, or headlights at night  
•  Feeling tired, sleepy, dizzy, anxious, or irritable  
•  Headaches or migraines triggered by light  
•  Mood changes or increased restlessness  
•  Difficulty staying focused, especially under bright or fluorescent lights  

For many, these challenges are linked to visual stress and light sensitivity. Irlen screening can help identify the cause of light sensitivity and provide practical support to reduce strain, enhance focus, and create more comfortable everyday environments.

Children with reading difficulties who appear to read well or are academically able may still be struggling if they: 

• Take much longer than expected to complete homework
• Complain of headaches, eye strain, or tiredness during reading or school
• Avoid reading for pleasure
• Struggle with timed or standardized tests
• Fall behind with reading assignments despite seeming capable
• Rely on summaries or the beginning of chapters rather than reading the full text
• Learn more easily through discussion than independent reading
• Work extremely hard for their grades but feel they could achieve more
• Are described as lazy or unmotivated, despite clearly trying their best

For many of these children, learning is far more tiring than it should be. Irlen screening can help identify whether visual stress is contributing to these challenges and offer effective light sensitivity support that makes learning feel easier and more comfortable.

According to the experts, nearly half of all children with reading difficulties in the country who have ADD/HD are not receiving appropriate care. Remarkably, up to a third of those identified as having attention deficit disorder may be mislabeled and could benefit from the Irlen screening, which provides vital light sensitivity support. The characteristics of these children include: problems concentrating when reading or writing, easily distracted during these activities, distraction under fluorescent lights, frequent daydreaming in class, and difficulties staying on task with academic work or starting academic tasks.

Children with reading difficulties, as well as adults facing dyslexia or other learning challenges, may experience:  

• Reading that feels difficult, uncomfortable, or overwhelming  
• Difficulty developing or using basic reading skills  
• Poor reading flow or fluency  
• Struggles with comprehension, even when words are read correctly  
• Avoidance of reading due to frustration or fatigue  
• Progress that remains slow despite extra support or intervention  

For many individuals in this group, visual stress can be a significant part of the difficulty. Irlen screening may help identify this issue and offer light sensitivity support to make reading more comfortable. It’s important to recognize that other learning needs may also be present, and targeted teaching or interventions may still be necessary alongside Irlen support.

Some autistic children and young people may experience visual processing challenges that affect how they interact with their environment. These challenges can include:  

•  Looking in short glances or frequently looking away from visual tasks  
•  Squinting, looking down, or avoiding direct visual focus  
•  Reduced or inconsistent eye contact  
•  Rubbing or pressing on their eyes  
•  Being strongly drawn to colours, patterns, or light  
•  Changes in behaviour in bright lighting or sunlight  
•  Increased light sensitivity  
•  Finger flicking or sideways glancing  
•  Difficulties with spatial or body awareness  
•  Challenges with stairs, escalators, or catching a ball  
•  Difficulties with fine or gross motor coordination  

For some autistic individuals, visual stress and light sensitivity can contribute to sensory overload, making it harder for children with reading difficulties to focus. Irlen screening can help identify whether light sensitivity is a factor and provide essential light sensitivity support, offering practical solutions to create calmer and more manageable visual environments.