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References Baikie, E. (2002). The impact of dementia on marital relation­ ships. Sexual and Relationship Therapy , 17 , 289–299. Beukelman, D. R., Fager, S., Ball, L., & Dietz, A. (2007). AAC for adults with acquired neurological conditions: A review. Augmentative and Alternative Communication , 23 , 230–242. Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2005). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children & adults with complex communication needs (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology , 3 , 77–101. Johnson, R. K., Hough, M. S., King, K. A., Vos, P., & Jeffs, T. (2008). Functional communication in individuals Kagan, A., & Kimelman, M. (1995). Informed consent in aphasia research: Myth or reality? Clinical Aphasiology , 23 , 65–75. Kouneski, E. F., & Olson, D. H. (2004). A practical look at intimacy: ENRICH couple typology. In D. J. Mashek & A. Aron (Eds.), Handbook of closeness and intimacy (pp. 117–136). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Lippert, T., & Prager, K. J. (2001). Daily experiences of intimacy: A study of couples. Personal Relationships , 8 , 283–298. Manne, S., Ostroff, J., Rini, C., Fox, K., Goldstein, L., & Grana, G. (2004). The interpersonal process model of intimacy: The role of self-disclosure, partner disclosure, and partner responsiveness in interactions between breast cancer patients and their partners. Journal of Family Psychology , 18 , 589–599. Miller, R. S., & Perlman, D. (2009). Intimate relationships (5th ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill. Minichiello, V., Aroni, R., Timewell, E., & Alexander, L. (1990). In-depth interviewing: Researching people . Melbourne: Longman Cheshire. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Prager, K. J. (1995). The psychology of intimacy . New York: The Guilford Press. Sturges, K. E., & Hanrahan, K. J. (2004). Comparing telephone and face-to-face qualitative interviewing: A research note. Qualitative Research , 4 , 107–118. Taylor, S. J., & Bogdan, R. (1998). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource (3rd ed.). New York: John Wiley. Wright, L. K. (1998). Affection and sexuality in the presence of alzheimer’s disease: A longitudinal Study. Sexuality and Disability , 16 , 167–179. Angela Leigh is a speech-language therapist with a particular interest in supporting adults with acquired communication difficulties. Dr Dean Sutherland is a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury with an interest in AAC. Dr Tami Howe ’s research and teaching is focused on adults with acquired communication disorders. with chronic severe aphasia using augmentative communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication , 24 , 269–280.

Previous research and findings from the current study indicate that couples with strong relationships have high levels of intimacy even when one partner has a communication disorder or disability. It is important for professionals to discuss the importance of maintaining a strong relationship and be able to provide support for couples appropriately. Couples need to be encouraged to continue to express themselves intimately and share their feelings with each other as it is through self-disclosure and partner responsiveness that intimate connections are maintained. Based on the findings reported here AAC devices may be of limited use during intimate communications. Therefore suggestions for alternative methods or ways of communicating may support maintenance of intimacy. Professionals such as speech- language pathologists may also require specific training in counselling or access to other support services in order to support clients’ intimate relationships. Individuals must however be aware of the limitations of their training and experience and involve other members of the professional team such as counsellors and social workers as appropriate. Conclusion Intimacy and intimate communication are important aspects in the relationships of adults with acquired communication disorders and their partners. Being able to maintain a close and intimate relationship with the person closest to you could make the difference in recovery and quality of life after the onset of a traumatic life-changing disease or disability. It is important that professionals are aware of the potential need to support intimacy and intimate communication not only for the person with the acquired communication disorder, but also for their partner. Providing the support and means necessary for couples to preserve this aspect of their relationships requires dedication and commitment, and for professionals to work closely with couples to ensure they are able to communicate in the most effective and efficient manner. 1 For the purposes of this study, the term “partner” is used to refer to a significant other who is a spouse or considered to be a spousal equivalent by the individual with the acquired communication disorder. a. What is the meaning of intimacy for you as an individual? b. What is the meaning of intimacy for you as a couple? 2. The role of AAC in intimacy a. Does your AAC play a role in intimacy for you? b. What role does your AAC play in intimacy? 3. The role of the communication disorder in intimacy a. What is the role of your communication disorder in intimacy for you as an individual? b. What is the role of the communication disorder in intimacy for you as a couple? 4. The spouse/partner’s role in intimacy a. What is your spouse/partner’s role in intimacy? 5. The change to intimacy pre and post onset of communication disorder a. Have you noticed a change in intimacy since the onset of your/your partner’s communication disorder? b. What was intimacy like before the onset of the communication disorder? c. How is intimacy different since the onset of the communication disorder? Appendix A. Topic guide The areas included in the topic guide were: 1. The meaning of intimacy for that individual/couple

Correspondence to: Dean Sutherland, PhD Senior Lecturer

Health Sciences Centre University of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand phone: +64 (0)3 364 2987 xt 7176 email: dean.sutherland@canterbury.ac.nz

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au