Over 16 years ago, if you had asked me what I knew about any of these conditions, I would have had a hard time explaining them. I knew very little about dyslexia, but I was starting to research and learn more. I definitely never heard about Irlen Syndrome, and the only reason I knew a few things about ADHD is because I knew a few people who had this condition. Then, the term ADD was more commonly used.
One of the most common questions I get asked is, "How did I get into this field?"
First, let me start by saying, I am in the field of dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome, but I am not in the field of ADHD. However, since 2011, I have been researching it, studying, attending online courses, and hearing from leading experts in the field. I am very passionate about this condition, because it affects people in my household and the lives of some of my students daily. So naturally, I would like to always be aware and know more!
Many things have changed since then. Little did I know what God had in store for me in my personal life and career.
My Story and How it all Started
In 2009, I was attending graduate school at Point Loma Nazarene University. My Aunt, who is a well-known and incredible educator, had recently found out that her youngest, who at the time was in 1st grade, was profoundly dyslexic. They immediately sought help but found very little support in the town where we lived. She mentioned a reading intervention that had been proven to be successful for those with dyslexia and asked me if I wanted to be trained and start teaching him.
I looked into this program and thought it would be perfect to do while I was finishing up graduate school and before I went to teach in the classroom. Little did I know that I would fall in love with helping my cousin and teaching this program. I saw growth in his reading and writing. It was never a quick-fix thing or something that could be cured. It took a great deal of time and hard work. It took several years to complete, and looking back, I can see that it changed the trajectory of his life. Fast forward to 2025, he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and is currently working at an engineering firm down south. Words can’t express how proud I am of him!!
When my Aunt and Uncle noticed the difference it was making, they started sharing it with others. And through word of mouth, other parents realized that their child, too, struggled in the same areas and needed the same type of support. So I began my journey of working with them. They, too, put in years of effort and worked diligently to complete the program. I still receive updates on their success, and every time it brings tears to my eyes. My students have changed my life in more ways than they know.
After a few years of teaching this program and working with a handful of students, I knew I wanted to dig deeper into understanding and helping families find out why their child was struggling. I went up North and took an in-depth graduate course to screen for dyslexia, and it was then that I knew I was in this for the long run. Not only was I able to help students learn to read and spell in ways they weren't able to before, but I was also able to help families discover if their child was having difficulty due to dyslexia. In 2011, I started to help several families in their journey and educate them on what dyslexia is, if this was the reason for their child's struggles and strengths, and guide them in the right direction.
It was during the dyslexia course that I learned about Irlen Syndrome. As part of the dyslexia screening, we had to ask a series of questions to see if the child may be struggling with Scotopic Sensitivity (Irlen Syndrome), too. Some children did not seem to have any warning signs, while others showed several for this perceptual processing disorder. From there, I would then refer them to the Irlen Institute in Long Beach because that was the closest place to test. They would, more often than not, come back and share that they have Irlen Syndrome as well, and get the right overlay color or colored Spectral Filters.
After years of referring families, I realized that since there was no one testing within hours of our town, I should consider getting trained for this. It was in 2022 that I underwent training to become an Irlen Screener as well. Before starting this, I thought Irlen Syndrome only affected people while reading, causing reading difficulties and discomfort. I had no idea that it could be the source of some people who have migraines, fatigue, distortions, hyperactivity, and many physical symptoms.
During my training, we studied a lot of cases where people have had some type of brain injury, such as seizures, concussions, whiplash, and TBI. And that a large percentage of people with autism and other conditions, too. From there, I made it my mission not only to educate others about dyslexia but also about Irlen Syndrome.
As you read this, I’m sure you can think of another family with a child or an adult who may have these conditions. I would love to encourage you to share this email and the videos below. Through sharing and even advocating for oneself or a child, you truly never know whose life you will change.
As always, if you'd like more information about these conditions, please email me at [email protected].
