What is it about?
Preschool teachers were generally able to recognize common signs of voice problems in young children, such as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, and changes in voice quality. However, their responses also revealed gaps in knowledge about appropriate referral and professional support. Most teachers reported limited education on pediatric voice disorders and expressed a need for further training.
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Why is it important?
Preschool teachers are well positioned to notice changes in children’s voices because they interact with them every day. Our findings suggest that teachers can recognize many common warning signs, but may need clearer guidance on when and how to refer a child for professional evaluation. Targeted training could therefore strengthen early identification and support timely access to appropriate services.
Perspectives
As a speech-language therapist, I believe early recognition begins with the people who hear a child’s voice every day. This study highlights the value of looking beyond the clinic and considering preschool teachers as potential partners in identifying children who may need professional attention.
Süheylanur Sal İşleyen
Istinye Universitesi
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Preschool Teachers as Potential Early Identifiers of Pediatric Voice Disorders: Awareness and Referral Practices, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, October 2026, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2026_persp-26-00088.
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