I’m Having Trouble Finding Words: What Can I Do?
Have you ever had "tip of the tongue” moment? When you know the word you want to say, but you just can't quite get it out? This phenomenon is called anomia, and although these word-finding difficulties happen to all of us at times, anomia generally occurs much more frequently after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury.
Anomia occurs when there is damage to the area of your brain that hosts your language skills. Some individuals with anomia can even have a hard time having a simple conversation because they can't express their thoughts quick enough.
One way to help with word-finding difficulties is by using strategies to communicate the word you mean to say. Here are five strategies that commonly help individuals with anomia.
Word-Finding Strategies
1. DESCRIBE what it looks like or what it’s used for
Example: “The thing that pounds nails… hammer!”
2. Use a SYNONYM for the word or something similar
Example: "Can you hand me the… mallet?"
3. ASSOCIATE the word with something related
Example: "I can't find the... thing that goes with nails."
4. Think of the FIRST LETTER or try to write the word
Example: "I need a… it starts with an H."
5. GESTURE using your hands or body to act out the word
Example: "Where is the… (makes hammering motion with arm)?"
Using these strategies allows your conversational partner to help you fill in the right word. These strategies also stimulate different sections of the language center in your brain. That means, just by using one of these strategies, you can often come up with the word on your own!
How can speech therapy help with word-finding?
Not being able to find the right word you want to say can be very difficult and frustrating. You haven't lost the words you're trying to say. They are all still in there, just blocked. Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can heal itself and make new connections. In speech therapy, we will focus on re-networking the language connections in your brain and provide strategies to help alleviate frustrations associated with word-finding deficits. Through treatment, motivation, and practice, you can overcome any difficulties you may be having with your speech and language so you are comfortable and confident communicating once again!
Neuro Speech Solutions is the only speech therapy private practice in Buffalo, NY that specializes in adult neurological rehabilitation. Our specialty is in brain injury, including stroke, TBI, and concussions, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. All of our SLPs are dedicated to providing evidence-based neuro therapy that will help you target the impairments you may be experiencing in a way that fits with your daily life. If you are searching for an SLP, give us a call and see what makes our clinic different than the rest!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Morgan, MS, CCC-SLP
Sarah is a speech-language pathologist with Neuro Speech Solutions. A native of Syracuse, she moved to Buffalo to specialize in adult neurogenic speech therapy. Sarah enjoys working with clients post-stroke and brain injury to help them communicate their thoughts and feelings and return to doing the things they love.
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Have you ever had "tip of the tongue syndrome?" When you know the word you want to say, but you just can't quite get it out? This phenomenon is called anomia, and although these word-finding difficulties happen to all of us at times, anomia generally occurs much more frequently after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Here are 5 strategies to try when you have trouble with word-finding. 3 Min Read