A word finding problem is when someone knows the word they want to use but they have trouble thinking of it. This is also called aphasia.
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes. You might say the word is “on the tip of my tongue." Word-finding problems can sometimes occur if there is a brain tumor, swelling, or other brain injury.
Some children may become upset when they are not able to say something correctly. Word finding problems can also frustrate the listener because the child may speak more slowly or use the wrong words, affecting the meaning of the message.
Every child's word-finding problem is different. However, there are some common patterns, including the following:
Pattern | Example |
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Saying a word that is similar |
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Using vague words or gestures |
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Talking around the word |
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Saying words that sound similar or have some of the same sounds |
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Using time fillers or pauses when talking |
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Talk to your care team if you have concerns about your child’s word-finding skills. A speech-language pathologist can do tests to learn about problems. The therapist may recommend strategies to address specific concerns.
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Reviewed: September 2022