Does this sound like dyslexia?

My most profound issue deals with spelling. I can't spell for crap. Today I had to look up believe, because I wasn't sure if it was spelled like "receive". Everyday words like that, I often question the spelling of. It didn't seem like I used to have this problem. It wasn't until a few years ago when I realized I was misspelling almost every other word I wrote. A few years ago, I was spelling does: "dose", and didn't even realize it until someone made fun of me. Also I found out I was spelling "no one" as "knowone", which I now realize makes zero sense at all.

I have done a lot of work to ensure I am spelling words correctly now. I have memorized many spellings of words, and I worked on grasping many spelling concepts. I also have worked a lot on words with different spellings, and usages, like since and sense. I still don't know effect, and affect. Sometimes I look up a word I am not sure of, to find the correct spelling, then I compare it to my spelling, and sometimes I find that the correct spelling is even logical, and can be "sounded out". Especially then, do I feel like an idiot.

I have extreme difficulty with memorization also. I have been desperately attempting to improve my vocabulary. I have a list of like 20 words that kind of appealed to me, and their definitions on my night stand. (I used spell check to spell desperately and definitions just now, ARGGHH!!!). But, I read these words, and their definitions, and I have only learned like 2 of the words. And God knows I can't spell them either!


I am very easily distracted. If someone is tapping a pencil, I cannot concentrate, or read. I will read a sentence or paragraph, get to the end, and realize I have no knowledge of what I just read. Sometimes, like on a test, I will read the question 6 times, even though it's dead silent, and I wont even realize it. After the 6th time, I'll realize that I need to read it one more time, and actually pay attention, but then I'll end up reading it 6 times again, and possibly end up guessing the answer, even though I probably knew the correct answer.

I've been working around all this, and trying to hide it. I am embarrassed (had to look up that word) about my problem. I don't really want to tell anyone. I feel embarrassed to see a doctor about this with my mom or dad (I am only 17). I wanted to get some feedback before I went any further. (I am very proud that recently I grasped the difference between further, and farther!)

In your opinion, from what you've heard about me, do you think I have dyslexia? or any other official disease?


THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

-Dan

Hey,

To be honest, I do not know much about Dyslexia but what you have described in your message sounds like you have a short attention span; which may affect how you remember how to spell these words. Like, I still doubt myself about how to spell believe/beleive. I have a short attention span too and simple words like that can be difficult. Overall, however, my spelling is good.

Perhaps you are only noticing this problem now because you are consciously trying to improve your language. I would give it a bit more time to see if things improve. I embarked on a mission to improve my language three years ago and I feel that I have a good grasp on it now.


Kevin.

Thanks for the comments. That RAVEN thing is cool ill remember that from now on, hopefully. Oh, and nice Stones lyrics. That's a pretty cool song.

Yea I think it is a short term memory thing, because I always look up words, but forget how to spell them and their meaning. Oh well, it's a work in progress.