Qualitative methodology was used to explore how incarcerated female delinquents described their communication behaviors in multiple contexts, including the influence of maltreatment experiences and their communication skills. Twenty youth ranging in age from 14 to 18 years of age were interviewed about their communications with friends, parents, and other authority figures and how maltreatment related to their communication skills. Data were triangulated through a review of school records, administration of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3, and interviews. Four themes emerged: participant communication, feelings and emotions, trust, and maltreatment. Results revealed that four participants were potential candidates for language services but had never received any kind of intervention. Implications suggest that speech-language pathologists and educators need to be aware of how maltreatment affects communication. Recommendations include early identification of children with communication problems and collaboration between speech-language pathologists and special educators to address the needs of these children.
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