Self-tests
In brief: The Irlen Institute offers six free online self-tests and suggests a formal assessment for anyone with three or more yes answers; a questionnaire is not a diagnosis, and eye problems with similar symptoms should be ruled out first.[1][4]
What the self-tests are
The Institute offers free online self-tests that it says help people decide whether to contact a screener or diagnostician for a formal assessment. It says the tests are designed to tell apart physical and visual symptoms that will respond to color from those that will not.[1]
The six tests
The Institute lists six self-tests.[1]
| Test | Format | What it looks at |
|---|---|---|
| Short Test | 14 items | Whether the syndrome may underlie reading difficulties |
| Long Test | Over 25 areas of functioning | Reading, light sensitivity, physical symptoms, depth perception, attention, sports, driving, computer use |
| Headache Test | Questionnaire | Whether headaches or migraines may relate to light sensitivity |
| Light Sensitivity Test | Questionnaire | How light sensitive the person is |
| Autism Test | Questionnaire, reviewed by a diagnostician | Visual perception and sensory overload |
| Color Light Activity | Behavior-based observation | Autistic children aged six or under or with limited language |
The page describes the reading test both as a 15-question test and as a 14-item test; this reference reports both figures.[1]
Scoring
The Institute says anyone with three or more yes answers should schedule a formal assessment with a certified professional.[1] The foundation also links to self-tests and a clinic locator.[2]
Limits of a questionnaire
A self-test is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis. The symptoms it asks about, such as eye strain, headaches, glare and words appearing to move, are common and can have other causes, including uncorrected refractive error and problems with focusing or eye coordination, which RANZCO and EyeWiki say should be ruled out by an eye examination.[3][4] The Institute’s own FAQ also says vision problems should be corrected before Irlen testing.[5] Light sensitivity in particular can signal medical problems such as corneal abrasion, uveitis or meningitis, as the Institute’s light-sensitivity page acknowledges.[6][7]
Tests for autistic children
For autistic people, the Institute offers a questionnaire that a diagnostician can evaluate before an appointment, and a Color Light Activity for young or non-verbal children that relies on observing behavior.[1] Claims about autism are discussed on ADHD and autism claims.
What happens next
A positive self-test leads to the two-session assessment described on the Irlen Method, carried out by a certified screener or diagnostician.[8] Because the condition is not a recognized diagnosis, families with reading concerns are advised by professional bodies to seek evidence-based educational assessment as well.[9][3]
Common questions
How many Irlen self-tests are there?
Six: Short, Long, Headache, Light Sensitivity, Autism and the Color Light Activity.
What score suggests an Irlen assessment?
Three or more yes answers, according to the Institute.
Is an Irlen self-test a diagnosis?
No. It is a questionnaire; eye conditions with similar symptoms should be ruled out by an eye examination.
Further pages
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f Irlen Syndrome self-test. Irlen Institute (irlen.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Irlen Syndrome Foundation: home page. Irlen Syndrome Foundation (irlensyndrome.org). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b RANZCO position statement on Irlen lenses (2025). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b Meares-Irlen syndrome/visual stress (MISViS), reviewed 25 September 2026. EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ FAQs. Irlen Institute (irlen.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Light sensitivity, fluorescent lights and Irlen. Irlen Institute (irlen.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Photophobia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Testing & treatment. Irlen Institute (irlen.com). Retrieved 9 November 2026.
- ^ Learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision. Pediatrics 127(3):e818–56 (2011). Handler SM, Fierson WM et al., via PubMed. Retrieved 9 November 2026.