Laura Thorburn, M.S., CCC-SLP
It’s a frustrating feeling when you can’t think of the word you want to say. While not uncommon, word retrieval problems can feel embarrassing and confusing. They can also affect a person’s daily communication–the ability to find and use the right word at the right time.
When a person has trouble finding words, it can lead to misunderstandings, social withdrawal, and a decline in confidence. Fortunately, speech therapy can improve word retrieval skills, helping people regain their ability to communicate clearly.
What is word-finding difficulty?
First, some quick background. Word-finding difficulty, also called anomia or word retrieval difficulty, refers to challenges saying a known word while you’re speaking or writing.
What causes frequent word-finding difficulty?
Occasional anomia is a universal phenomenon. People of all ages experience trouble finding words. That said, it’s important to note how often it happens, since anomia is more common among people with neurological disorders. When word-retrieval problems in adults become persistent or severe, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.
Word-retrieval problems for adults can have several causes, such as:
Typical age-related changes to the brain
Neurological conditions, such as aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, long COVID, or multiple sclerosis
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
Not getting enough sleep
Alcohol or drug use
How speech therapy addresses word-finding problems
Speech therapy helps people overcome communication challenges, including trouble with recalling words. A speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, works closely with the person to assess their word-retrieval difficulties, then create a treatment plan to address those challenges.
Speech therapy for word retrieval typically includes two approaches:
Compensatory word-finding strategies, which serve as a sort of “safety parachute” when a person has a tough time recalling words
Language tasks, which focus on retrieving various types of words to promote mental connections and improve word-finding skills
Language tasks used in speech therapy for word retrieval
Let’s take a look at some language tasks that are commonly used in speech therapy sessions for word-finding.
1 Word association and categorization tasks
One of the foundational approaches in speech therapy for word retrieval is the use of word association and categorization tasks. These exercises help the brain create stronger connections between related words and concepts.
For example, the speech therapist may ask the person to name items in a category (such as fruits or animals), or to come up with words associated with a particular word (e.g., "apple" might lead to "red," "fruit," and "pie"). These tasks encourage the person to think of related words, which strengthens the neural pathways involved in word retrieval.
2 Semantic feature analysis (SFA)
Semantic feature analysis is a technique that involves breaking down a word into its semantic components, such as its category, function, and characteristics. For example, when working on the word "dog," the person might be guided to think about the category (animal), its characteristics (furry, four-legged), and its function (pet, barks).
The SFA technique helps the person retrieve the word by activating related concepts, making it easier to recall the target word.
3 Verbal network strengthening treatment (VNeST)
VNeST is based on the idea that verbs are central to sentence structure, and when you’re better able to retrieve and use verbs, your overall language skills can improve. This is a highly effective and evidence-based therapy technique used in speech therapy, particularly for people with aphasia or other language disorders that affect word retrieval and sentence formulation.
VNeST focuses on activating the neural networks associated with verbs and their related subjects and objects. Here’s an example using the verb “write.”
The person might be encouraged to generate subjects who write, such as ”author,” “teacher,” or “doctor.”
Then they’re asked to think of objects that might be written, like a ”book,” “lesson,” or “prescription.”
Additional questions such as “Why did they write?” or “Where did they write?” are then answered to extend the length of the sentence.
4 Cueing hierarchies
Cueing hierarchies involve providing prompts to help a person retrieve a word. The speech therapist might start with a minimal cue, such as the first sound or letter of the word, and gradually increase the level of assistance if needed.
For instance, if the target word is "book," the speech therapist might first provide the sound /b/ as a cue. If the person still can’t retrieve the word, the therapist can give more cues, such as describing the word's function or providing a sentence with a blank (e.g., "You read a _____"). Over time, this method helps the person improve at finding words on their own, without help.
5 Phonological and orthographic cueing
Phonological (sound-related) and orthographic (spelling-related) cues can also be highly effective. These cues help activate the brain's word retrieval processes by focusing on the word's sound or structure.
Phonological cueing might involve asking the person to think of words that rhyme with the target word, or identifying the word’s initial sound.
Orthographic cueing might involve writing the first letter of the word or showing a written word with some letters missing.
6 Script training
Script training involves practicing set phrases or sentences that the person can use in specific situations. For example, if someone struggles to order food at a restaurant, their speech therapist might help them practice a script like, "I would like to order a cheeseburger, please." While this approach doesn’t focus on spontaneous word retrieval, it can build confidence, reduce the cognitive load, and make it easier to retrieve words in all kinds of situations.
7 Functional communication practice
Finally, functional communication practice is an essential part of speech therapy for word-retrieval problems. This involves practicing communication in real-life scenarios, such as making phone calls, participating in conversations, or giving a presentation at work. The speech therapist might simulate these scenarios in therapy sessions in order to provide support and feedback. This practice helps the person use their new word retrieval strategies in everyday life.
The benefits of speech therapy for word retrieval
Speech therapy offers several benefits for people with word-finding problems:
Improved communication: By strengthening word retrieval skills, individuals can communicate more effectively, reducing frustration and misunderstandings.
Increased confidence: As word retrieval improves, people often have a boost in confidence, which leads them to participate more at work and socially.
Better quality of life: Effective communication is a cornerstone of social interaction. Improving word retrieval can enhance relationships and overall quality of life.
The “last word” on speech therapy for word retrieval
Problems with word finding can be a major barrier to effective communication. Fortunately, speech therapy provides a range of strategies and exercises to help people overcome these challenges. By working closely with a speech therapist, you or your loved one can improve the ability to find and articulate words, leading to more confident and effective communication.
If you or someone you know is struggling with word retrieval, Expressable speech therapy offers a path to a better quality of life. Schedule a free consultation call to talk with one of our licensed speech therapists and get your questions answered.
