Many speech and language therapy courses prepare students for language pathologist training. Some of these include courses for treating attention deficit disorder or obsessive compulsive disorders. Many courses offer specialized training for autism therapy programs. Other types of speech and language therapy courses focus on post-operative brain injury patients. Such courses may deal with teaching a patient basic language skills that have been compromised by an injury.
Speech and language therapy courses may also train students in techniques for helping individuals overcome various speech impediments. This may include therapy for stuttering or individuals who speak with a lisp. Other speech issues may include an inability to correctly pronounce certain sounds or letters of the alphabet.
For children who are delayed in learning basic language or even social skills, speech and language courses are designed to help them catch up. Grasping the language fundamentals and learning to speak coherently is typically part of the program. Some of these courses may be designed for toddlers and preschool-aged children, as well as older children and teenagers.
Children who are developmentally delayed in language comprehension may need group therapy sessions. Training courses may involve learning techniques that can be used in these group setting of approximately 10-20 students. This strategy may also be an effective way of offering support from peers with the same disabilities.
Some group therapy courses use special equipment, including web cameras, during sessions. This is a way of providing telecommunication among participating students. This may also be helpful for individuals who are trying to conquer public speaking difficulties.
Other speech and language therapy courses involve working with individuals who have physical disabilities that prevent them from speaking correctly. For instance, a cleft lip and palate may prevent a person from speaking clearing and distinctly. Those suffering from injuries to the jaw or oral deformities may also benefit from speech and language courses.
Language therapy courses are not only for individuals with impediments or physical disabilities. There are courses that provide assistance to individuals attempting to regulate or change an accent. Reduction of an accent may provide an easier way of communicating for the individual.
Another type of speech or language therapy involves assistance for those with hearing difficulties. This typically includes all age groups, from toddlers to seniors. Techniques may be implemented in conjunction with sign language, depending upon the impairment.