What is Dysnomia?

Definition: Dysnomia is a learning disability that is categorized by difficulty in remembering names or recalling words from memory needed for oral or written expressive language.

Dysnomia is a neurological disorder present in childhood characterized by difficulty recalling words, names, and numbers. People with dysnomia may also struggle to name colors and objects and can experience frustration during conversations or when trying to express themselves.

An individual with dysnomia may be able to provide description to an object in question, but isn’t able to recall the specific target name of the object. Dysnomia is considered a milder version of anomia—a condition characterized by the complete inability to name familiar objects.

Signs of Dysnomia

Dysnomia is often associated with signs for an executive functioning or expressive language disorder. Here are some signs of dysnomia to be on the lookout for:

• Problems with recalling information

• Difficulty completing tasks quickly

• Trouble naming objects and using filler words frequently.

Possible Causes of Dysnomia

Dysnomia can arise from several underlying causes, often related to developmental, neurological, or psychological factors. Here are some of the main causes1:

1. Learning Disabilities: Conditions like specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia can involve difficulties with language processing and word retrieval.

2. Delayed Maturation of the Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex is crucial for language processing and word retrieval. Delays in its development, specifically those areas associated with word finding, can lead to difficulties in accessing and retrieving words.

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD often involves challenges with regulating attention, behavior focus, organization, and impulse control, which can affect word-finding abilities.

4. Genetics: There is evidence that dysnomia can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to its development.

5. Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can exacerbate word-finding difficulties, making it harder for individuals to retrieve words effectively.

6. Neurological Conditions: Disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can impair cognitive functions, including word retrieval, as they progress.

7. Developmental Language Disorders: Children with developmental language disorders may experience dysnomia as part of broader language acquisition issues.

8. Brain Injury or Stroke: Damage to specific areas of the brain, such as those involved in language processing, can result in aphasia and dysnomia.

Treatments for Dysnomia

Here are some treatments for dysnomia to consider2:

• Speech/Language Therapy:

  • Work with a therapist to practice word-finding skills.

  • Identify strengths and weaknesses in oral retrieval through self-monitoring.

  • Focus on improving speech fluency and language production.

• Consultation with a Child Psychologist or Therapist:

  • Address ADHD or anxiety if present.

  • Learn relaxation techniques and strategies to improve focus and word retrieval.

• Seek Professional Guidance:

  • Consult with specialists such as speech-language pathologists, psychologists, or neurologists.

  • Obtain recommendations for interventions tailored to the specific underlying causes of Dysnomia.

• Ongoing Support and Learning:

  • Continue seeking help and exploring different strategies if initial treatments are not effective.

  • Stay engaged with professionals and educational resources for support.

Next Steps

Understanding the specific cause of dysnomia in an individual often requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a speech-language pathologist, neurologist, or psychologist.

Therefore, if a child is having trouble with speaking, writing, or math, it is important to bring them to the doctor, who will administer neurological and speech-language pathology tests to diagnose the condition.

Sources

1. Examining the neurocognitive profile of dysnomia: a comparison of school-aged children with and without dyslexia across the domains of expressive language, attention/memory, and academic achievement. Iowa Research Online. 2010.

2. What is Dysnomia?. Hope Springs Behavioral Consultants. 2023.

Originally published in May/June 2016 and was last updated on 8/12/24.

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