DESPITE suffering with Irlen Syndrome during her university years, Nina Minshull did not let it stop her from achieving top grades.
It was not until the 25-year-old, of Gorse HIll, was in her final year at university that she was diagnosed with the perceptual problem that affects the way the brain processes visual information, while being tested for dyslexia and dyspraxia.
From a young age, Nina, who now runs her own music and drama business in the town hall, was overwhelmed by crowds.
She suffered badly with headaches on bright sunny days, but began to accept it as normal.
When she attended Plymouth University, Nina found she was struggling with reading.
“It was really difficult and I noticed I would take three times longer to do an asssignment than others,” she said.
“I have dyspraxia as well, so a lot of it was to do with that, but a lot was Irlen too, but it wasn’t diagnosed until my final year.
“The hardest thing to read was small black text against a bright white background because there was more contrast. The words were swirling around, but I had started to think that was normal.”
After being diagnosed with Irlen, Nina was provided with coloured sheets to place over her books, and given special glasses.
“I didn’t get my glasses until I was doing my Masters at Exeter University, but now I wouldn’t be without them,” she said.
“It helps with everything from reading to the environment, it makes everything seem more three-dimensional.
“I still managed to get a First at uni, but I think I worked extra hard to over-compensate for the problem, I did nothing but study.”
Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual problem that affects the way the brain processes visual information. People with the syndrome are unable to process full spectral light. It is exacerbated by environmental factors such as lighting, brightness, glare, high contrast, patterns and colours.
Visit www.irlenuk.com.
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