The participants ranged in age from 14 to 18 years old. In answering the five questions, the participants provided their views on how they communicate, their reactions to real-life problems, and connections between communication patterns and behavioral problems. Taped interviews indicated that although the majority of the youth were knowledgeable about ways to communicate positively, they also communicated through negative, aggressive, and violent behaviors. Listening to the participants' perspectives on communication and reviewing their histories of special education and maltreatment provided clues to understanding their communication behaviors. Based on study findings, the authors advise that early detection and assessment of language and communication problems is important. Unresolved communication disorders have significant effects, and these effects may be underestimated and misunderstood. The findings suggest that study participants needed more practice with problem solving tasks and the use of an emotion-related vocabulary to describe their feelings. Educators should help youth understand how negative communication influences learning, social development, and vocational success. Further, it is important to infuse the classroom and curriculum with resiliency-building experiences that can impact students' self-image. 16 references