Have any teachers out there heard of this before?

Question

Putting colored saran wrap (blue if i can remember correctly) on the light coverings, which makes the light more soothing. I think it bothers some of my students, who have autism and also some sensory input issues. I need to convince my principal that I'm not making this up. A website or some other source would be nice.

Answer 1

The Irlen Syndrome is a type of perceptual processing problem related to sensitivity to lights, glare, patterns, colors, and contrast. This type of perceptual processing disorder affects 12-14% of the population; this number increases to almost 50% in the autistic population. Most people are not aware that they have a problem. They think that how they see and feel is normal. The use of color to eliminate perceptual problems began as a federal research project in 1981. During the past 20 years, Irlen has documented the wide array of misperceptions experienced by those with Irlen Syndrome and determined how misperception affects reading and other visual activities. Most importantly, Irlen discovered the use of color as a treatment to eliminate perceptual distortions which, for some, occur when reading, copying, using the computer, and engaging in other visual activities.

Over 96,000 individuals worldwide wear Irlen Colored Filters, and millions of children use Irlen Colored Overlays when reading. There are over 6,000 school districts which have implemented Irlen Screening and provide children with colored overlays. Information about Irlen Syndrome can be found by reading Helen Irlen’s book Reading By The Colors, Penguin Putnum/Perigee Div.

To obtain additional information, please contact:

Irlen Institute International Headquarters
5380 Village Road
Long Beach, CA 90808

Telephone: [phone].

Answer 2

Haven't heard of blue saran wrap. What I do know about florescent lighting, especially the older large bulbs (typically in schools) is that the hum and flickering are what makes most people with sensory issues unable to concentrate or can cause sensory overload. Most people can filter this out or don't notice. People with autism, especially have trouble filtering many things. I know this from my child's experience and from my own. A florescent light actually shuts on and off about 100 times a second. The newer ones that are like 200 times per minute are better but not as good as a constant like an incandescent bulb or LED. Most people don't notice but to someone with sensory issues, it can seem like a constant strobe light. Old CRT monitors are the same way. If you use computers a lot during the day and use CRTs, I would try to get LCD screens. I would also suggest trying to use natural daylight when possible during the day and see if you notice any improvement in concentration. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have not heard specifically that blue saran wrap on the light fixtures help. And honestly, don't expect to get a thumbs up on that one from your admin. I see fire hazard written all over that one.

However, I have read studies that suggest that the reflection of florescent lights on the types of paper used in textbooks affects some students’ abilities to process the information.

I personally try and keep my florescent lights off as much as possible. I brought my own floor lamps in which make the room light much more palatable. Even the kids notice the difference.

I also play classical music during quizzes and tests. There are studies that suggest classical music stimulates parts of the brain involved in learning and recalling information. And of course, it's soothing to most students as well.

I can't recall specifically where I read the info but I would do a search under something like "impact of lighting on learning" and see what comes up.

Answer 4

I am not a teacher, but I do remember one of the teachers that my child had in second grade saying that lamp light was much better and promoted learning much better than the fluorescent lights in classrooms. Cool colors, and this would include blue's, are said to be calming. Now with autism, and how these colors affect them, I have no clue. You may want to try the lamps if possible...I know it is hard unless you have plugs in the floor where the desk's are. Maybe looking up something like... best lighting for autistic children.

Answer 5

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=172525

Try this website. It explains that decorating a room with particular colors can sooth active children.

Answer 6

Nope, but blue plastic is used to help dyslexic kids read.

Answer 7

this might help.