It's unfortunate that you are just now asking this question when he's already 17. Have you had him screened for learning disabilities? Did he have an IEP (individual learning plan) or 504 plan during elementary and high school? Have you worked with the teachers, administrators and specialists at his school? How about his pediatrician?
Your son likely has a learning challenge if he's always struggled in school. He could have trouble with written words, like dyslexia. He could have trouble with attention and focus and behavior like ADHD or ADD. He could have a disability related to the autism spectrum such as Aspberger's syndrome. He could simply have a low IQ and perhaps isn't getting the help he needs. He could have a sensory processing disorder, which can make a person over-sensitive to noise, textures, being touched, smells, etc. and can make school very difficult to tolerate. This is just a list of things some kids struggle with in school, and I have no idea if any of them apply to your son, but one or more of these situations, or something different, might be affecting him.
I would start by taking him to see a psychologist who specializes in learning challenges, and also bring his school records. Even if he's out of school, go back and talk to his last school about what they think - they can look at his records and give you their opinion. It might give you and your son somewhere to start in this process.
Many people do not figure out what their challeng is until they are adults, and things can be turned around still so don't give up on your son or let him give up on himself. Once he figures out what he's dealing with, he might have a better idea of what he might be able to do well. Most people who struggle in one area have particular talents in another, so finding out more about his challenges should help a lot in that regard.
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