Quick screen for voice and supplementary documents for identifying pediatric voice disorders

Area of Science:

• Pediatric communication sciences and disorders
• Voice science and pathology
• Clinical audiology and speech-language pathology

Background:

• Accurate identification of childhood voice disorders is crucial for effective intervention.
• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) require efficient tools for screening and diagnosis.
• Educating families about voice disorders and necessary medical evaluations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three distinct documents designed to assist SLPs in identifying children with voice disorders.
• To provide resources for educating family members about voice disorders and their management.
• To enhance the diagnostic process for pediatric voice conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development and description of a rapid screening test for voice, respiration, and resonance in children.
• Creation of a functional indicator checklist for parents, teachers, and caregivers.
• Design of an informational brochure for parents on voice disorders and the importance of medical examination, including laryngeal assessment.

Main Results:

• The screening test was validated on a diverse pediatric population, including preschoolers and school-aged children.
• The caregiver checklist provides valuable functional data for SLPs to aid in identification.
• The brochure effectively communicates essential information about voice disorders and the need for medical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The three provided documents offer a comprehensive approach to identifying and managing pediatric voice disorders.
• These resources empower SLPs with practical tools for screening, diagnosis, and family education.
• Early identification and appropriate medical evaluation, including laryngeal examination, are emphasized for children with voice problems.