CATHERYNE HAY and ANGIE MITTAN


A Piece of the Puzzle — The Irlen Method

Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) is a perceptual problem that prevents an estimated 12-14% of the population from being able to learn and read efficiently.  Until recently it has baffled educators and the scientific community because it remains undetected in standard educational, visual and medical tests.  It is worth noting that brain imaging techniques now prove the efficacy of Irlen filters.

Individuals with SSS may be viewed as underachievers or as having behavior, attitude or motivational problems.  This problem can coexist with other learning difficulties.  Some people diagnosed with learning difficulties or ADHD may be suffering from SSS.

In this workshop, you will take a self test to determine if you might have SSS, learn more about the Irlen Method, have an opportunity to see various examples of how people with SSS see the printed page, and explore how your own reading experience changes when you use colored overlays.  Through true client stories, we will then explore the red flags that will allow you to recognize when a client has the possibility of having SSS, and give you the resources to refer them to an Irlen screener or diagnostician.


Cathryn Hay, PhD, received her B.S. in science from the University of Rochester and a Masters Degree in English at Wichita State University. She taught English and special education in the Wichita Public Schools. She helped to develop Wichita’s secondary Gifted Program in the late 1970’s and taught in it until 1997. Her 1990 Ph.D. in counselor education and special education is from Kansas State 

Aware of the Irlen Method since 1989, Dr. Hay wore the filters herself and then trained as a screener. She became an Irlen Diagnostician in 1994, after instruction from the patent-holder, Helen Irlen. Dr. Hay has worked with clients who have reading problems and light sensitivity. In recent years, Irlen color has benefited clients with ADD, Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, dyslexia, migraines, seizures and other conditions with perceptual disorders.

Angie Mittan was trained at NLP Midwest, Omaha NE in NLP Practitioner, Masters and Health, and became interested in Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome when a family member was diagnosed in 1996. Eventually, she realized she and her son had SSS symptoms. Angie has been active in spreading information about SSS, organizing an annual visit to the Omaha area for Irlen Diagnostician, Dr. Cathryn Hay. Angie utilizes her NLP skills in many areas of her life, including home schooling her 3 children, is active in her church and the Awana Program, MOPS and HOPE groups.