Reading Through Colour: How Coloured Filters Can Reduce Reading Difficulty

The use of coloured overlays on text can improve reading in certain individuals, including children. They have been shown to reduce fatigue and increase fluency and can be used with both dyslexic and non-dyslexic children and adults.

Reading with Colour provides a review and interpretation of the scientific evidence, gathered over the last decade, along with very practical guidance for teachers and parents about how to use the overlays, who will benefit from their use and how to assess their effectiveness.
* Unique - nothing else on this topic
* Comprehensive - includes both the scientific evidence in lay terms as well as practical "how to" information
* Very practical - includes information on classroom management and the design of typefaces for children

"I don’t need to be scared of reading anymore"

17-year-old woman describing the use of coloured overlays.

Reading Through Colour tells the story of the discovery and development of the use of coloured overlays and tinted glasses to help overcome reading difficulty, which can sometimes result in almost miraculous improvements. Arnold Wilkins, the scientist who was one of the first to provide the evidence that coloured filters can work, explains how sufferers are often unaware of the effects of visual stress, having no way of realising that others see print differently. They frequently suffer headaches or migraine, but at school can be considered simply lazy.  

Reading Through Colour explains what the overlays are and how to select them. Throughout, the voices of parents, children and adults tell how improvements in reading speed and fluency have changed their lives. Clear, "how-to" advice on testing and using overlays is included for teachers and other professionals, along with information on where to get further help and advice.

"Every reading teacher needs a copy of this book and their own set of filters. Optometrists and pediatricians will also find this work to be a valuable resource. It is a ‘must read’."

Alan Kwasman M.D., Behavioural Pediatrician, Associate Professor, University of California, Riverside