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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.
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.
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:
Appendix A. Topic guide
The areas included in the topic guide were:
1. The meaning of intimacy for that individual/couple
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?