Learn how speech therapists help patients to overcome speech and language challenges in this free online course.

Maintaining our quality of life and meeting our everyday needs relies heavily on our ability to communicate effectively. If someone encounters difficulties in this regard, even the simplest of tasks can become very challenging to accomplish. Speech and language therapy helps children and adults with trouble speaking, eating or drinking. It provides treatment, support and care to help patients improve their communication and language skills. This psychology course teaches you the essential principles of speech and language therapy. We provide a solid foundation and valuable skills to help you make a positive difference in people's lives.

We begin by introducing you to the field of speech and language therapy. We discuss the benefits and importance of speech therapy and lay out the diverse roles and responsibilities of speech and language pathologists (SLPs) in helping individuals overcome communication challenges. We provide a detailed explanation of how speech is produced, perceived and transmitted by exploring human anatomy and explaining the mechanics of the human voice. The course then delves into essential linguistic disciplines like phonetics, phonology and more.

We then examine the many speech and language disorders experienced by children and adults and describe their treatments and cure. We explain how to help children with speech-language difficulties, which can include stuttering and problems with listening and fluency. This psychology course suits teachers, parents, caregivers and anyone interested in using the principles of speech therapy to improve someone’s life. Speech disorders can be debilitating so sign up to learn how to empower others and help them to free their voice.