Handout: Aphasia Differential Diagnosis Chart

Word retrieval strategies for Aphasia:

• FIRST LETTER
  Try to think of the first letter. Scan the alphabet for help.
• VISUAL AID
  Use pictures or real objects.
• THINK ABOUT IT
  Try to think about what you want to say before you say it.
• GESTURE
  Use gestures, facial expressions, and pointing.
• EXTRA TIME
  Give yourself extra time, the word may come to you.
• VISUALIZE
  Describe what the object looks like.
• DRAW OR WRITE
  Draw the object or write the word.
• FUNCTION OR USE
  Describe the object’s function or how it’s used.
• LOCATION
  Describe where the object can be found.
• ASSOCIATION OR CATEGORY
  Describe what it reminds you of or what category it’s in.