| Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) is a perceptual
dysfunction involving distortions which occur on the printed
page. Individuals with SSS put more effort and energy into the
reading process because they are inefficient readers who perceive
the printed page differently. Distortions and movements are occurring
while the individuals are reading. SSS may occur in isolation
or it may accompany other reading difficulties. SSS has been
found to affect all ages and ability levels. Many of the symptoms
begin to emerge typically around the ages of 8-9. The proficient
reader should not be overlooked. Because of the lack of other
reading difficulties, the proficient reader may not experience
any of the symptoms of SSS until after reading for an extended
period of time. The individuals have learned to compensate by
applying various learning strategies. As a result of perceiving
the printed page page inefficiently, individuals with SSS may
experience slow reading rate, poor comprehension, difficulty
sustaining attention, eye strain, tiredness, headaches, the need
to take frequent breaks. To determine the existence of SSS involves
an evaluation by a screener or diagnostician who has been trained
and certified in the Irlen Method. The first stage is a screening
process in which an individual responds subjectively to questions
and perceptual tasks to detect the presence of SSS. Through this
stage a preliminary indication of the severity of the problem
is determined. It is at this time that a colored overlay preference
may be determined. These observations are then used to assess
the impact of SSS on the overall reading dysfunction. The profile
of information obtained through the screening process is then
used as a basis for treatment. |
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