In the discovery and subsequent treatment of Perceptual Dyslexia there are two women whose findings would prove to be remarkably important: Olive Mears
Commonly know as Perceptual Dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome was discovered by New Zealander Olive Mears in 1972. In part due to her experience as a remedial teacher and also her own children’s complaints, such as:
‘It's just not fair how they print books with all that black white', Mears went on to record a detailed written account of her findings and thus detailed the symptoms of Perceptual Dyslexia.
Helen Irlen
Helen Irlen in her role as a clinical psychologist recognised that by using unique colour filtering, the problems identified with Perceptual Dyslexia could be reduced or removed altogether. Her discoveries have forever linked her name with the condition and it’s treatment, now known as The Irlen Method.
