Study Our Speech Therapy course Online and Help People with Speech and Language Disorders

People with speech and language impairments, as well as those who have difficulty swallowing, can benefit from taking the Speech Therapy Online Course. As a speech therapist, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a speech therapist, as well as the anatomical structures of the vocal cords and their physiological functions.

During the Speech Therapy Course, you will learn the fundamentals of the field and how it may help you. This includes an overview of speech impairments and the treatment approaches employed to treat them. As a speech therapist, you'll learn about the conditions and communication issues that they deal with on a day-to-day basis. Speech and language professionals employ a variety of pathological words.

There are a variety of problems that might affect speech and language development and how they present themselves. Physical limitations as well as neurological diseases and brain injuries are included in the list of conditions treated in the book. For autistic children with verbal impairments, this course also explains how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) employs pictures as a method of treatment.

What you will learn with our Speech Therapy Course Online

• Introduction to Speech Therapy
• Anatomy of Related Body Structures
• Language Development
• Speech Structure
• Language Structure
• Hearing and Auditory Testing
• Speech Disorders
• Speech Therapy Careers 

Who will benefit from the Speech Therapy Course?

The Speech Therapy Course offers valuable insight into the practice of speech therapy, providing those who wish to work within the field with a starting point to their career. It provides a greater understanding of what is involved and the further education options available.

The course is a comprehensive resource to parents whose children are working with a speech therapist, and also educators and care providers who wish to be able to recognize and understand speech and hearing disorders.

Speech Therapy Course Online - Requirements

The Speech Therapy Course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7 and only takes 20 hours of study to complete.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

• Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
• Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
• Be a self-directed learner
• Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

1. Course content is structured for easy comprehension
2. Approximately 20 hours of study is needed to complete the course
3. Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Speech Therapy course
4. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
5. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
6. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

Speech Therapy course Online Outline

Module 1: Introduction

Aspects of speech therapy are covered in this subject. The terminology, brief history, and anatomy of speech therapy will be covered.

Speech Therapy as a Practice

The treatment of speech and communication impairments is referred to as speech therapy. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists are professionals who provide speech treatment. To improve communication, speech therapy approaches are performed. Treatment for other language or speech disorders may also be included, such as articulation therapy, language intervention therapy, and treatment for other language or speech disorders.

History of Speech Therapy

In the early 1920s, Speech treatment was initially identified. It all began in 1926 when the American Academy of Speech Correction was founded. Since then, the science of speech therapy has advanced significantly. The evolution of speech therapy can be separated into four distinct phases.

Goals of Speech Therapy

Speech therapy's major purpose is to diagnose and treat speech impairments to improve a patient's capacity to communicate. The length of speech treatment is determined by the severity of the condition, injury, or impairment.

Module 2: Anatomy

The process of converting thoughts into speech is known as speech production. Before articulating, the procedure entails picking words and structuring them into correct grammatical shapes. Understanding the anatomy of speech is crucial to recognizing various speech disorders.

The Process of Speech Production

Speech can be either spontaneous or imitated. Phonation, which needs pressure from the lungs and the employment of the glottis and larynx, produces actual speech sound. The vocal tract modifies speech sounds to produce distinct vowels and consonants. The upper section of the vocal tract is where speech is produced without the assistance of the glottis or lungs.

Respiratory System

The tissues and organs that allow you to breathe make up your respiratory system. It aids your body in obtaining oxygen from the atmosphere. As a result, your organs will function better. Your respiratory system also eliminates waste gases from your blood, such as carbon dioxide. Diseases, infections, and allergies are some of the issues that can affect the respiratory system.

Parts of the Respiratory System

To help you breathe, many different aspects of your respiratory system work together. There are multiple distinct components in each group of discrete elements.

Articulatory System

The process of creating speaking sounds is referred to as articulation. The resonating structure modifies the tone generated by the larynx. The tongue and lips can be used to adjust the tone. The sound of speech passes from the nasal cavity through the throat and eventually to the mouth cavities.

Soft Palate

The velum and the uvula are the two structures that make up the soft palate. The velum is a flexible muscle structure that hangs from the hard palate most of the time. The velum's tip is formed by the uvula, a tiny cone-shaped structure.

Hard Palate

The floor of the nose and the roof of the mouth is made up of his. The hard palate is divided into four sections. The anterior section of the maxillary bone is known as the premaxilla. The premaxilla houses four incisor teeth. The palatine process is a component of the maxillary bone that is developed in the hard palate. The alveolar process is the maxillary bone's outer edge.

Jaw

The mandible is the anatomical name for the jaw. The lower set of teeth is housed in the jaw, which also serves as the mouth's floor.

Teeth

Chewing, or mastication is the major function of the teeth. Temporary teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, are present in babies. Adults have 32 deciduous teeth, whereas babies have 20. The process of occlusion occurs when two dental arches collide.

Tongue

The tongue's biological job is to move food in the mouth cavity for chewing and swallowing, as well as to perceive flavour.

Laryngeal System

The laryngeal system is in charge of producing speech sounds, commonly known as phonation. The laryngeal system's principal biological purposes are to block the trachea's entry when a person is swallowing food and to generate a cough reflex that allows the body to remove anything stuck in the throat.

Laryngeal Skeleton

This is situated between the trachea and the tongue's root. The laryngeal skeleton is made up of nine cartilages that are connected to the axial skeleton.

Laryngeal Muscle

This muscle group is positioned near the front of the neck and encompasses multiple muscle groups. It is in charge of the creation of speech sounds.

Epiglottis

Behind the tongue's root and in front of the larynx, the epiglottis projects upwards. It has a leaf-like form. To swallow food, the thyroepiglottic and aryepiglottic muscles pull the epiglottis down. This enables the larynx to close, preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea. When pronouncing certain words, the epiglottis offers glottal pauses.

Thyroid Cartilage

This is the largest of the nine cartilages that make up the larynx. Its main purpose is to shield the vocal cords from harm. It also serves as a point of attachment for ligaments and muscles. Two laminae fuse in the thyroid cartilage. The Adam's apple is a prominent prominence formed by the laminae.

Vocal Ligaments

The vocal ligaments are linked beneath the laryngeal mucus membrane. Each ligament is made up of yellow elastic tissue. The thyroid cartilage is related to these tissues. The arytenoid cartilage's vocal processes are aided by these ligaments.

Vocalis Muscle

With fibres from the thyroarytenoid muscle, this is an intrinsic laryngeal muscle. The muscle runs parallel to the vocal ligament and joins to it. To create different pitches and tones, the muscle thickens and tenses the vocal cords.

Module 3: Language Development

This module looks at how language evolves. This section is intended to depict a typical course of language development. Language development timeframes may be impacted by certain diseases and disorders.

The Prelinguistic Stage

During the first year of life, a baby is in the pre-speech stage. Gestures, proper eye contact, interactions between the caregiver and the newborn, babbling, cooing, and weeping are all examples of language development at this period.

The Holophrase or One-Word Sentence

At the age of ten to thirteen months, a baby is in this period. A baby's ability to enunciate one word at a time is limited. The context of each word, as well as any associated behavioural clues, usually help to clarify its meaning.

The Two-Word Sentence

The two-word sentence stage begins when a baby reaches the age of eighteen months. A baby may typically utilize a noun or a verb with its modifier at this age. This enables the newborn to construct declarative, imperative, negative, or interrogative statements. Nonverbal communication and the situation mostly support the two-word message.

Multi-Word Sentences

At the age of two or two and a half, a baby reaches this stage. When changing tenses or meaning, the baby begins to use grammatical morphemes such as prefixes and suffixes. A baby can start utilizing a subject and a predicate in a sentence at this age. The baby's sentences are nevertheless likely to be telegraphic and full of blunders.

More Complex Grammatical Structures

At the age of two and a half or three, most youngsters enter this stage. At this stage, a kid employs more complicated and intricate grammatical structures, including the addition of conjunctions.

Adult-Like Language Structures

Between the ages of five and six, a child reaches this language growth phase. A youngster will start to employ complicated structural differences at this point. Children may also be able to accurately rearrange the words in a sentence. They develop the ability to use more linguistic concepts at this time.

How the Brain Learns Language

The brain has two principal language regions, both of which are on the left side. Broca's and Wernicke's areas are what they're called.

Learning a Second Language

The brain has two principal language regions, both of which are on the left side. Broca's and Wernicke's areas are what they're called.

Process

The acquisition of the first language is a subconscious process, but the acquisition of the second language is an intentional and conscious process. Learning a second language is much easier for children.

Education and Instruction

Learning the first language does not necessitate formal education. Learning a second language indeed necessitates some level of teaching.

Native-Like Fluency

Because it requires learning a mother tongue or native language, speakers are fluent in their first language. Speakers of a second language, on the other hand, may not be fluent. It is dependent on the amount to which the second language has been learned and mastered. It can take years to gain true near-native fluency.

Module 4: Speech Structure

We'll look into speech structure and models in this module. We'll also go through some of the most typical roadblocks to speech creation.

Garrett Model of Speech

When analyzing the Garrett speech structure model, we'll come across three key elements. The conceptual level, often known as the semantic level, is the first level.

Common Challenges with Speaking

Speaking is one of the most common ways we share our emotions, thoughts, and ideas with others. From the head to the abdomen, we must coordinate various portions of our bodies when speaking.

Stuttering

We call someone who stutters someone who has a problem with their speaking flow. Stuttering can take many different shapes.

Apraxia

The way you talk is controlled by your brain unknowingly and automatically. For speech production, the brain teaches and transmits impulses to your vocal cords. When your brain is harmed, though, your motor skills may be affected. This will have an impact on your capacity to produce speaking sounds. Apraxia is the medical term for this condition.

Aphasia

Aphasia impairs your ability to understand and comprehend language. It has an impact on both spoken and written communication. Aphasia is most commonly caused by brain damage or a head injury. Tumours, strokes, and degenerative disorders can all cause it.

Dysarthria

This is a disorder that develops as a result of brain damage, resulting in muscle weakness in the face, tongue, lips, neck, or chest. You will have difficulties speaking because these pieces are necessary for the generation of speech sounds.

Conditions with Speech Impact

Speech can be affected by a variety of diseases and disabilities. It is not, however, an exhaustive list.

Module 5: Language Structure

This module will cover the structure, phonetics, and grammar of the English language. These aspects of language are crucial for diagnosing language disorders and identifying language flaws.

Phonetics and Speech Perception

When we talk about phonetics, we're talking about the study of specific speech sounds. Phonology, on the other hand, is the study of different features of phonemes, or speech sounds. The way a listener hears understands, and interprets speech sounds in a language is referred to as speech perception. 

Grammar

Because of the set of rules, we can communicate various concepts in a language. Each language has a set of constraints or rules that form the foundation of its grammatical structure. When learning a new language, you must internalize the norms and exceptions that apply to that language.

Morphology

When learning a language, we examine individual words as well as word relationships. Morphology is the study of these words and how individuals perceive the differences. Morphology can also refer to the study of words, including how they are produced and how they relate to one another within the same language. It examines word structure, speech parts, stress, and intonation.

Module 6: Hearing and Auditory Testing

Determining a patient's baseline level of function is an important element of speech therapy. Hearing and auditory testing may be part of this process. Speech therapists can use testing to determine whether a patient has a hearing problem or a problem with speech production.

The Auditory System

The auditory system's job is to transmit the distinct sense of hearing. It's a convoluted path where data converges and diverges at various points.

How Hearing Relates to Learning Speech

A baby's speech and language development skills are hampered by hearing loss. The brain areas responsible for communication will not grow properly if your child has a hearing issue. As a result, learning to speak may be a challenging task.

Challenges Caused by Hearing Loss or Impairment

• Making speech sounds
• Hearing and perceiving sounds
• Learning new words
• Putting together sentence

Speech Therapy for Deaf Patients

People who have severe hearing loss are more likely to have speech and language delays. There are a variety of techniques to improving speech in d/Deaf patients.

Patients with Moderate Hearing Impairment

The level of hearing loss, motivation to learn, and commitment of parents/caregivers for minors will all play a role in the success of your patient's speech therapy treatment plan. It's also crucial to think about the patient's objectives.

Assessment and Management

As a speech therapist, you must take a holistic approach to your patient's treatment. Rather than focusing solely on the medical model, you should also concentrate on addressing the hurdles that cause speech issues.

Hearing Tests and Screening

A patient's ability to acquire a language in a natural way is typically limited. To do so, you must strengthen language skills while taking into account the patient's condition, limits, or disabilities. Aside from a typical hearing evaluation, there are a variety of assessments you can perform on your patient as a speech therapist. Some tests are appropriate for people of all ages, while others are employed dependent on their age and comprehension.

Hearing Tests for a Newborn Baby

A tiny, flexible plug is inserted into a baby's ear for the test. Based on the sounds inside the plug, a microphone records the emissions of a typical ear. There are usually no emissions when a baby has hearing loss.

Hearing Tests for Toddlers

Through some form of earphone, an electrical device puts varied pitches and sounds into a child's ear. When a sound is made, the youngster is requested to do something, usually with a toy. A child is told to look for the cause of the noise. When a youngster responds correctly, he or she is rewarded with some form of visual reinforcement, such as a toy. Children between the ages of six months and two years can take the test.

Hearing Tests for Older Children

Through earbuds, an electrical gadget plays varied pitches and volumes on a child's ears. When the youngster hears the sound created by the earphones, he or she is asked to answer.

Module 7: Speech Disorders

There are two types of speech disorders: inherited and acquired. This can have a significant impact on how the patient perceives and responds to speech. Someone who has an inherited disorder in childhood, for example, is more likely to have stronger coping methods and strategies than someone who develops a speech disorder later in life.

Inherited Disorders

Inherited speech disorders, often known as inherited speech disorders, are present from birth. Symptoms may not appear until adolescence or later. It may be difficult to form a series of syllables, sounds, and words due to inherited diseases.

Acquired Disorders

Acquired illnesses are not congenital or genetic in origin. Instead, they are caused by damage to the brain, muscles, or other body organs.

Respiratory Conditions

The tissues and organs of the respiratory system can be affected by a variety of illnesses or events. Some of these conditions arise as a result of breathing irritants. Infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Other diseases are caused by factors such as age, heredity, or chemical exposure.

Allergies

Some proteins, such as pollen, dust, and mould, can cause respiratory allergies when inhaled. These proteins have the potential to cause airway inflammation. When ingesting or handling an allergen, certain people may have allergic reactions.

Asthma

It produces airway irritation, which makes breathing difficult. Infections of the lungs and bronchial tubes can cause inflammation. Pneumonia and bronchitis are examples of these illnesses.

Chronic Diseases

Respiratory problems might develop over time as a result of certain conditions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are two such disorders.

Ageing

Your lung capacity decreases as you become older. Your respiratory system's efficiency suffers as a result of this.

Existing Damage

When your respiratory system is compromised, you may develop breathing problems in the future.

Protecting the Respiratory System

Patients can safeguard their respiratory systems in a variety of ways. Depending on the patient's lifestyle, specific advice may differ.

Avoid Pollutants

Secondhand smoking, radon, and chemicals are all pollutants that can harm your lungs. Always use the proper protective equipment when working with dust, fumes, or other contaminants.     

Don’t Smoke

Smoking messes with the way your lungs and airways work. This could lead to long-term illnesses that impair your respiratory system.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Vegetables, fruits, and water in your diet will nourish and hydrate your body. By supplying sufficient nutrients, your respiratory organs will be able to stay healthy.

Exercise Regularly

Vegetables, fruits, and water in your diet will nourish and hydrate your body. By supplying sufficient nutrients, your respiratory organs will be able to stay healthy.

Tools for Speech Disorders

The rapid evolution of technology has resulted in the development of critical speech treatment instruments. People with hearing loss or language difficulties now have access to convenient assistive devices because of advancements in assistive technology.

Types of Assistive Devices

The amplitude of the sound is increased by LDs. They are quite effective, especially in noisy environments. For those with expressive difficulties, AAC devices are crucial. These technologies convert text into speech.

Picture Exchange Communication System

People can converse via photographs with this technology. It's appropriate for persons with problems like autism. A person can start a conversation by showing another person an image of what they want, a request, or a thought. It's extremely beneficial for autistic people.

Module 8: Speech Therapy Careers

People can converse via photographs with this technology. It's appropriate for persons with problems like autism. A person can start a conversation by showing another person an image of what they want, a request, or a thought. It's extremely beneficial for autistic people.

Bachelor’s Degree Program

The field of speech therapy is a fascinating one. Enrol in a bachelor's degree program in communication sciences or a similar discipline if you want to work as a speech therapist. You can also enrol in linguistics, pre-med, education, English, or psychology programs.

Master’s Degree Program

To work as a speech therapist, you must have a master's degree in the subject of speech-language pathology. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology must accredit and recognize the master's degree.

Pursue Licensure

You can apply for a license to practice after completing your clinical fellowship and passing the Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology. The licensing criteria, however, differ slightly from one state to the next.

Daily Working Life

The day-to-day activities of a speech therapist might vary greatly depending on the individual. Some therapists prefer to work with children, while others prefer to work with adults solely. Part-time, full-time, or as-needed services are available. Some speech therapists prefer to travel or circulate between different sites.

Salary and Job Availability

Speech therapists make a lot of money, but the actual amount depends on their educational credentials, employment experience, and geographic region. A speech pathologist gets an annual salary of around $82,000 on average. Annual pay for speech pathologists ranged from $70,000 to $93,000, according to a 2015 ASHA poll. Administrative specialists earned more than $90,000 per year, while hourly workers were paid between $40 and $76 per hour.

Choosing a Career in Speech Therapy

Consider the type of place you wish to work in before deciding on a speech therapy profession. This will help you determine if you want to work as a school therapist or as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital. After you've taken care of that, look for an approved university where you can earn your bachelor's and master's degrees. Make sure you're on the right track to becoming certified and licensed for the job.

Module 9: Course Review

To ensure that patients receive quality care that meets their therapy requirements, speech therapists must be adaptable and inventive. Many of these "soft skills" are developed through patient-centred education and training.

Learning More

If you're looking for information on speech therapy, make sure to use credible sources whether searching online or in a library. You can learn about speech therapy as a job, what it requires, and what a therapist's daily tasks are in various situations.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will become a qualified Speech Therapist.  You will also be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate, accepted by many Speech Therapist organizations worldwide.

The Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.

Introduction to Speech Therapy

Anatomy of Related Body Structures

Language Development

Speech Structure

Language Structure

Hearing and Auditory Testing

Speech Disorders

Speech Therapy Careers