Expanding Hope Through Irlen Syndrome Screening

Did you know that Irlen Syndrome affects nearly 20% of the population, yet many people have never heard of it? For children who struggle with reading, light sensitivity, depth perception, or the effects of brain injuries, identifying Irlen Syndrome can be a life-changing step toward success.

That's why we're excited to celebrate Ellen Grace for reaching an important milestone that will expand the care and support available to the children and families we serve.

After years of personal experience living with Irlen Syndrome, Ellen has dedicated herself to learning more about this often-overlooked condition. Her passion led her to conduct extensive research, including focusing a portion of her doctoral dissertation on Irlen Syndrome. Now, she has become certified to screen for Irlen Syndrome, equipping her to help identify children who may benefit from specialized support.

This new certification allows Ellen to begin screening foster children in our Connected Families ministry who may be experiencing challenges related to Irlen Syndrome. These challenges can include difficulty with reading, depth perception, light sensitivity, visual processing, and symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries. Already, nearly 50 children in Connected Families homes may benefit from screening, and the first appointments are already scheduled.

While this certification is an exciting milestone, it's only the beginning. Ellen plans to continue her training to become a certified Irlen Diagnostician, enabling her to provide even more comprehensive assessments and specialized support for children and families in the future.

At Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. By investing in innovative, Christ-centered services, we are better equipped to meet children where they are and help them overcome obstacles that may be affecting their education, confidence, and daily lives.

We are grateful for dedicated team members like Ellen, whose commitment to learning and serving reflects our mission of providing hope and healing to children and families across Arkansas. As we continue expanding the services we offer, we look forward to seeing how early identification and support for Irlen Syndrome can make a lasting difference in the lives of the children entrusted to our care.