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The negative connotations of terms such as “vocal abuse” may cause children to feel as if they have done something wrong, but they see their friends engaging in the same type of behaviors without consequences.
Children are not typically motivated to change behavior based on traditional behavioral approaches.
Many children have been dysphonic since they began speaking, and therefore have no baseline. Adults, conversely, generally have experienced a “normal” voice and are typically motivated to return to that voice, but children may not have that same motivation.
Diaphragmatic breathing, resonant voice therapy, and vocal function exercises can be implemented easily with children using simple modifications to encourage motivation and skill acquisition. Finally, compliance can be an issue with voice treatment programs, but physical outcomes—such as a decrease in vocal fatigue, less pain or effort with speaking, and increased communicative effectiveness with peers and teachers—can be highly motivating to children