Finding words
Knowing what you want to say but struggling to get the words out, or to understand others.
An everyday field guide
Speech and communication
Aphasia can affect understanding or finding words; dysarthria can affect the clarity of speech. Some people are nonspeaking all or some of the time, including some autistic people, people with cerebral palsy or motor neurone disease (MND/ALS), and others.
Communication differences do not indicate intelligence. Allow time, address the person directly, and respect their chosen method.
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What it can involve
Everyone's experience is different. You might recognize some of these, all of them, or none.
Being understood
Speech that others find hard to follow, especially on the phone or in noise.
Time pressure
Conversations that move faster than you can respond.
Changing needs
Speech that varies with fatigue, stress or a progressive condition.
Tools to explore
Start with what you already have. Feature names vary by device and software version.
Already on many devices
- Text-to-speech apps for typing and speaking messages aloud.
- Saved phrases and keyboard shortcuts for things you say often.
- Voice banking or personal voice features that create a synthetic voice from recordings of your own.
- Messaging and video calls with live captions for the other person.
Low-tech and everyday
- Communication boards with letters, words, symbols or photos.
- A pen and pad, or a card explaining how best to communicate with you.
- Yes/no cards and pointing to choices.
- Agreeing signals with family and close friends.
Specialist options
- Dedicated AAC apps and devices with symbol or text vocabularies.
- Eye-gaze access for selecting words by looking at them.
- Switches that let a small movement select from a scanning menu.
- Message banking: recording your own phrases to use later.
Before you choose
- Can the vocabulary grow and change with you?
- Can it be used quickly enough for everyday conversation?
- Is the voice one you are comfortable with?
- Is there a low-tech backup for when a device needs charging or breaks?
Costs, availability, compatibility, and suitability vary. Before paying, check trial options, ongoing fees, privacy settings, repair support, and whether a tool works with what you already use. A simple or free option may be the best fit.
Start small. Stay in charge.
Try one thing
Note your common phrases
Write down ten things you say most often, then save them in a phrase app or on a card.
Try a text-to-speech app
Use it in a low-pressure setting first, such as ordering a coffee.
Tell people what helps
Share a short note: give me time, ask yes/no questions, don't finish my sentences.
Who can help
Support is optional and on your terms. Names and availability of services vary by country and region.
Speech and language therapist
Can assess communication and recommend AAC and strategies.
AAC specialist service
Can trial and set up high-tech systems, including eye gaze.
Voice banking support
Specialist teams can help record your voice early if speech may change.
If a progressive condition may affect your speech, ask about voice and message banking early, while recording is easier.