Auditory-perceptual analysis of voice in abused children and adolescents

Introduction: Abused children and adolescents are exposed to factors that can trigger vocal changes. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of vocal changes in abused children and adolescents, through auditory-perceptual analysis of voice and the study of the association between vocal changes, communication disorders, psychiatric disorders, and global functioning. Methods: This was an observational and transversal study of 136 children and adolescents (mean age 10.2 years, 78 male) who were assessed by a multidisciplinary team specializing in abused populations. Speech evaluation was performed (involving the aspects of oral and written communication, as well as auditory-perceptual analysis of voice, through the GRBASI scale). Psychiatric diagnosis was performed in accordance with the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and by applying the K-SADS; global functioning was evaluated by means of the C-GAS scale. Results: The prevalence of vocal change was 67.6%; of the patients with vocal changes, 92.3% had other communication disorders. Voice changes were associated with a loss of seven points in global functioning, and there was no association between vocal changes and psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusion: The prevalence of vocal change was greater than that observed in the general population, with significant associations with communication disorders and global functioning. The results demonstrate that the situations these children experience can intensify the triggering of abusive vocal behaviors and consequently, of vocal changes.