Who is this pathway for?

If a child or young person is up to 16 years old and they have been referred for Speech and Language Therapy for voice difficulties, they will be placed on the Voice Difficulties Pathway. 

Referral criteria

We provide assessment and intervention for children and young people who:

• Are presenting with voice difficulties for 3 months or more
• Are under the age of 16 years old
• Have voice difficulties/disorders such as vocal nodules and muscle tension dysphonia
• Have been seen by ENT prior to referral

If your child has not yet been seen by an Ear Nose and Throat service (ENT) please make a referral to your local ENT service before referring your child to SLT.

• Parents, schools and other health care professionals can make referrals.

What to expect at 'Voice' therapy sessions:

Once we receive your referral and your child is accepted into our service we will contact you to book you on to our voice pathway. This pathway includes 3-6 individual sessions with a Speech and Language Therapist. During the individual sessions the therapist will assess you/your chill’s voice difficulties and provide recommendations and advice. These may include environmental changes, advice on vocal hygiene, and specific vocal techniques. Following these sessions your therapist will write a report and will discuss the next steps with you. If it appropriate for your child may be invited to further sessions or review session in a few months’ time. Your child may also be referred on to other services if required.