Why kids have trouble finding the right word to say

Here are some ways you might know kids are struggling with word retrieval. They might:

• Pause a lot and use “filler words” like uh or um

• Talk around the word using long or vague descriptions, like “Where is the thing I like to use in my hair?”

• Mispronounce the word, like saying appet when they mean apple

• Say a word that has a similar meaning but sounds different, like saying chair when they mean couch

• Say a word that sounds similar but has a different meaning, like saying elephant when they mean elevator

If you’re noticing signs like these, you may also want to keep an eye on signs of dyslexia.

Dyslexia can cause kids to have trouble finding the right word. That can be because they have a hard time bringing to mind the exact sound combination for that word. They might say a wrong word that sounds similar to the right word.

Other times, they struggle to find the word and will “talk around it.” They can have this same struggle when writing, too.

Learn more about how dyslexia can affect kids’ speech.

Look for patterns. Are there certain times or situations when kids have trouble finding the right word? For example, does it happen most often when they’re tired? 

If you’re a family member, learn how to take notes about what you’re observing. Then share this information with your child’s teacher or healthcare provider. 

If you’re an educator, share your observations with the child’s family. You can also turn to your school’s speech-language pathologist for helpful tips.