Talking with Friends Is Just Different: Moving AAC Forward with Friendship in Mind

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Talking with Friends Is Just Different: Moving AAC Forward with Friendship in Mind
Language: English
Authors: Erinn H. Finke, Michelle Therrien
Source: Topics in Language Disorders. 2025 45(3):183-198.
Availability: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Available from: Wolters Kluwer. 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Tel: 800-638-3030; e-mail: MR-WKCustomerSupport@wolterskluwer.com; Web site: https://journals.lww.com/pages/default.aspx
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Intended Audience: Support Staff
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Friendship, Interpersonal Communication, Stranger Reactions
DOI: 10.1097/tld.0000000000000368
ISSN: 0271-8294
1550-3259
Abstract: Friendship is a critical component of well-being, offering emotional support, shared experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. This paper explores key differences in communication dynamics between friends and strangers, emphasizing the systemic mismatch between existing AAC design and the relational needs of friendship interactions. The paper discusses innovative approaches to AAC development, such as enhanced personalization, emotional expressiveness, and multimodal communication tools, to foster more meaningful social connections for AAC users. Clinical and research priorities, including participatory design, qualitative methodologies, and longitudinal studies, are outlined to inform future assessment and intervention efforts by speech-language pathologists. This paper advocates for reimagining AAC as a tool that not only facilitates functional communication but also nurtures inclusion, belonging, and friendship.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1480149
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Friendship is a critical component of well-being, offering emotional support, shared experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. This paper explores key differences in communication dynamics between friends and strangers, emphasizing the systemic mismatch between existing AAC design and the relational needs of friendship interactions. The paper discusses innovative approaches to AAC development, such as enhanced personalization, emotional expressiveness, and multimodal communication tools, to foster more meaningful social connections for AAC users. Clinical and research priorities, including participatory design, qualitative methodologies, and longitudinal studies, are outlined to inform future assessment and intervention efforts by speech-language pathologists. This paper advocates for reimagining AAC as a tool that not only facilitates functional communication but also nurtures inclusion, belonging, and friendship.
ISSN:0271-8294
1550-3259
DOI:10.1097/tld.0000000000000368