Testing for dyslexia?

Question

I'm considering being tested for dyslexia.The thing is I'm unsure if I fully match the symptoms of being dyslexic and I don't want to waste time and money if I'm just being silly. Also academically I am performing at a very high standard and I enjoy reading which are counter to what I thought.

My spelling has always been very poor, especially compared to my reading ability. I enjoy reading and although I'm probably a little slow, I don't have any real problems reading. For spelling I rely quite heavily on a spell-checker and have always checked and double-checked my work.Simple words are usually ok, but harder words I will get wrong again and again.

I struggle with even very basic mental arithmatic. I count on my fingers and I don't know all of my time-tables. Scoring in games or working out change etc is always very embarassing.

I also struggled a lot to learn to tell the time.

Do you think these issues might indicate a problem or am I reading too much into it all?

Answer 1

I agree with the other person, but I would say that it's important to be tested.  It's entirely possibly you have something going on, and if you know what it is, you can get some solutions from others with the same problem who have already figured out some ways to work around it.

You can also try reading books on the brain, perhaps, "The Brain that Changes Itself."

Answer 2

In my opinion, looking at dyslexia is too restrictive for you.  What you are really talking about is looking to see if you have a learning difference that goes over every area.  You talked about memory being an issue in all academic areas, and that may be the true source of the problem.  A neuropsych eval might be better for you.  For the record, trouble with math is called dyscalculia, and trouble with writing is called dysgraphia.  

The thing is, whether or not you have a learning difference (I say that because it's a lesser title than 'disability'), it sounds like you are able to compensate and function normally.  It seems like your higher order skills of reasoning and executive functioning appear to be intact.  Some people's brains are just this way.  You may prefer the 'big picture' to lots of tiny details (as in you synthesize better than you analyze).  Many people need to use spell checkers and calculators as they get older so they can focus on the big picture and not get mired down in the mechanics.  Part of getting a diagnosis is figuring out the treatment.  If you are generally performing at a high standard, what other accomodations to succeed would you like?  So I guess I would weigh that in my decision if I were you.  

You can do it to find out for yourself, but it's a pretty expensive way to answer a question.  Good luck, whatever you decide.