08/11/2025
A recent study indicates a significant overlap between Irlen Syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In one study, approximately 50% of participants diagnosed with both Irlen Syndrome and ADHD no longer met the diagnostic criteria for an attention deficit disorder after beginning to use Irlen Spectral Filters. Addressing the underlying visual processing difficulties associated with Irlen Syndrome effectively resolved the attention-related symptoms previously attributed to ADHD, suggesting a potential pattern of misdiagnosis in cases where visual processing deficits are present (BarNir, Shaked, Elad, & Tosta, 2023).
Additionally, a separate study found that 64% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD reported visual sensory sensitivities, including discomfort with lighting, reading difficulties, atypical visual perceptions, and challenges processing visually complex environments (Wada, Hayashi, Seino, Ishii, Nawa, & Nishimaki, 2023). These findings underscore the importance of assessing visual processing factors when evaluating attentional and sensory regulation difficulties.
