What are word-finding problems?
Word-finding problems happen when your child knows the word they want to say, but they have trouble remembering it when speaking.
Children with cancer, blood disorders, or other serious illnesses may have word-finding problems because of their illness or treatment. Word-finding problems sometimes improve over time, especially with treatment and recovery from the underlying condition. Early support from a speech-language pathologist (SLP or speech therapist) can help your child build communication skills and confidence.
Word-finding problems can occur on their own or may be related to a condition called aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects how your child understands and uses language. Learn more about aphasia.
Signs of word-finding problems in children
Your child may show word-finding problems in different ways. Common signs and patterns include:
Causes of word-finding problems in children
Word-finding problems may happen when illness or treatment affects the parts of the brain involved in language. In children with cancer, blood disorders, or other serious illnesses, possible causes include:
- Brain tumors
- Stroke or bleeding in the brain
- Brain surgery
- Infections that affect the brain
- Inflammation or swelling in the brain
Other causes may include:
Not all children with these conditions develop word-finding problems. Your care team can help explain your child’s specific risk.
Diagnosis of word-finding problems in children
A health care provider will review your child’s medical history and do a physical exam. Tests may include:
These tests help identify word-finding problems, understand possible causes, and plan treatment and support.
Treatment for word-finding problems
Talk to your care team if you have concerns about your child’s word-finding skills. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help develop a plan to address concerns.
The SLP may suggest tools or strategies to help your child communicate, such as:
- Gestures
- Writing or drawing
- Word books
- Communication boards
- Technology-based tools
Early support can help your child build communication skills and confidence.
How to help your child with word-finding problems
You can help your child practice word-finding skills during playtime and daily tasks:
- Read to them or encourage them to read.
- Name objects around your home or environment.
- Look at pictures in books and name them.
- Use riddles and have them guess what you are describing.
- Have them name items you need for a certain activity, such as getting dressed or going to school.
- Practice naming opposites and words that mean the same thing.
- Play games to improve word-finding skills, such as:
- Name items that belong to a group: For example, name as many colors, animals, foods, or superheroes as you can in 1 minute.
- Name the category: Name several things in a certain category and ask your child to name the category. For example, “Blue, red, and green are all ________?”
- Pick the word that does not belong: For example, say “cat, dog, tree, mouse” and have your child answer “tree.”
- Play word association games: For example, “Pilot goes with … plane.” “Peanut butter goes with… jelly.”
How to help when your child is stuck on a word
To help when your child is stuck on a word, you can:
- Give your child time to think of the word. Do not try to finish their sentences right away.
- Encourage your child to think about what the object looks like, what it is used for, or where they might find it. For older children, thinking about the first letter or how the word is spelled may also help.
- Ask them to use a physical action or gesture to act out a word.
- Have your child think of a related word or a word that means the same thing.
- If your child cannot think of the word, and you know what they are trying to say, give them clues. For example, give prompts such as:
- “It starts with …”
- “It sounds like …”
- “It looks like a…”
- “It is used to …”
- “It is like a …”
- After your child finds the right word, ask them to use it in a sentence to reinforce it.
Ways to support your child
Some children may feel frustrated when they are not able to say something correctly. Word-finding problems can be hard for families because your child may speak more slowly or use the wrong words. This can make it harder for your child to communicate and be understood.
To support your child, you can:
- Speak clearly to your child using simple words and short sentences.
- Repeat or rephrase words as needed.
- Be patient and give your child time to respond.
- Do not correct your child’s speech right away. Give them time to think about it first.
- Praise your child’s efforts.
- Include your child in conversations.
- Encourage your child to use different ways to help them share their thoughts and ideas, such as speaking, gestures, pointing, writing, and drawing.
- Work with family members and teachers to help your child communicate. Let others know ways they can help.
School and daily life support
Your care team can help you work with your child’s school to make an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. Your child may need classroom accommodations, such as getting a word bank for fill-in-the-blank tests or extra time to complete assignments. An SLP can work with your child’s school to recommend classroom supports.
Depending on your child’s needs, your care team may recommend other rehabilitation services, such as hearing care, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.
You may also join a support group to connect with others.
Your care team can help you find support resources for your child and family.
When to call your care team
Call your care team if your child has:
- Symptoms that change or get worse, like sudden trouble speaking, understanding, or finding words
- Feelings of sadness, stress, or worry
- Sudden, severe headache
- Signs of a seizure
Questions to ask your care team
