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Back to School with Irlen Syndrome: Tips Just for You!

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If you’re getting ready to head back to school and you have Irlen Syndrome, you’re not alone—and you’re not the only one who sees the world a little differently. Going back to school can be exciting, but it can also be tricky when lights, reading, or busy patterns make your brain work overtime. That’s why we made this guide just for you!

 1. Don’t Forget Your Irlen Filters or Overlays

Your colored glasses or overlays are your superpower! They help your brain see clearly and keep you from getting tired or frustrated.
 Before school starts:

  • Make sure you know where your glasses or overlays are.

  • Clean them and check that they still work well for you.

  • Schedule a filter check if it’s been over a year since your last appointment, or if you feel like your lenses aren’t working as well as they used to. How do you know if your lenses aren’t as effective as they should be?
    • Symptoms have returned: light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, attention challenges, reading difficulties, or visual disturbances.
    • Tasks feel harder, require more energy, or take longer to complete.
    • You find yourself not wanting to put on your glasses.
    • You think, “I no longer need my glasses.” People don’t usually grow out of or heal from Irlen Syndrome. Instead, when people think they no longer need their glasses, it’s usually because the glasses aren’t working anymore and need a color adjustment or have faded.

2. Pay Attention to Classroom Lighting

Sometimes school lights (especially those buzzing, bright ones) can make things harder for you. That’s okay—it’s not just you!
 You can:

  • Ask to sit near a window or away from bright lights.

  • Wear a hat with a brim or a hoodie to block the glare.

  • Let your teacher know you need a spot with gentle lighting.

 3. Get Help with Reading and Homework

Reading with Irlen Syndrome can feel like chasing letters or fighting glare monsters—but you’ve got tools!

  • Use your overlay, reading ruler, or screen tint if you have one.

  • Ask for printed worksheets instead of bright white copies.

  • Use apps that let you change background colors or even read the words out loud.

4. Speak Up for What You Need

You don’t have to explain everything, but it helps to say something like:
  “I have Irlen Syndrome, so colored glasses help me read and focus better.”
 Most teachers want to help, so let them know what works for you! If you need help explaining Irlen Syndrome to your teachers, you can email them a link to the Educator Toolkit from www.irlensyndrome.org.

5. Document Your Assistive Technology Needs

If you haven’t already documented your need to use colored overlays or spectral filters in a 504 Plan or IEP, you should. Here’s why:

  • Documentation of use in the classroom can be required in order to use assistive technology such as colored overlays and spectral filters on state and standardized tests
  • The College Board may require proof that colored overlays and/or spectral filters were used in the classroom to approve their use on the SAT, GRE, and LSAT
  • Even if your current teacher is supportive and helpful, future teachers might not be, so documenting your need for assistive technology is always encouraged

6. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

The first few weeks of school can be full of new sounds, people, lights, and rules. That’s a lot, even for someone without Irlen Syndrome!

  • Take mini brain breaks when you feel overwhelmed.

  • Sit in a quiet spot or rest your eyes between classes.

  • Stretch, breathe, or doodle to reset your brain.

 6. Be Proud of How You Learn

Having Irlen Syndrome doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means your brain works in its own amazing way. You’ve got tools that help, a brain that’s learning all the time, and a team of people (including your parents, teachers, and even other kids with Irlen) cheering you on.

Final Tip: You’ve Got This 

School might look a little different for you—but that’s okay. Different isn’t bad—it’s unique. Being unique is a gift. So show up with your colored lenses, your courage, and your brain ready to shine.

If you have Irlen Syndrome, preparing to go back to school means planning beyond notebooks and pencils. 

Here’s to a strong start! #BackToSchool #FreshStart #NewYearNewGoals

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