Dysnomia (Word-Finding Difficulty)

Dysnomia, also called anomic aphasia or word-finding difficulty, is a language-based learning disorder or neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to recall words or names during speech or writing. It is not a problem of intelligence or comprehension, individuals with dysnomia know what they want to say but have difficulty retrieving the correct words from memory. Dysnomia may occur as part of a broader language disorder or as a result of neurological injury (such as stroke or brain trauma). In children, it often appears as a learning difference affecting vocabulary retrieval, oral expression, and written language fluency. Dysnomia often occurs with ADHD and dyslexia.

Symptom Checklist:

• Frequent pauses while speaking (“um,” “uh”) or use of vague words like “thing,” “stuff,” or “that one”
• Substituting similar words (e.g., saying “chair” instead of “table”)
• Describing a word rather than naming it (e.g., “It’s what you sit on” instead of chair)
• Difficulty recalling names of people, places, or objects despite knowing them
• Losing track of conversation or hesitating frequently when speaking
• Trouble retrieving vocabulary during writing tasks
• Difficulty naming pictures or describing scenes quickly
• Word-finding issues more pronounced when tired, anxious, or under pressure
• Reading comprehension may be affected due to slower word retrieval
• Frustration when unable to find the right word
• Appears shy, withdrawn, or reluctant to participate in class discussions

If your child is showing warning signs of dysnomia, Aspire Academy recommends an assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or neuropsychologist. A formal diagnosis can allow a child to receive additional academic support and accommodations in school.