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The Communication DEALL (Developmental Eclectic Approach to Language Learning) program grew out of concern for the increasing number of children identified with developmental language disorders such as those seen in Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (DVD) and the near total lack of early intervention facilities for these children, in India. The program was developed by Dr Prathibha Karanth, a pioneer in the field of Speech-Language Pathology in India.

The theoretical framework within which the Communication DEALL program has been developed is that these neurogenic communication disorders are the result of subtle neurological disorders which cause several sensory processing as well as motor executive dysfunctions in the growing child. The communication, social, behavioral and cognitive differences seen in these children is viewed as consequences of these more basic sensory motor deficits rather than as core deficits. Intervention across several domains such as motor, communication, cognitive and social skills is provided within a developmental framework targeting age appropriate skill development within a specific time frame.

Beginning November 2000, the program has served the needs of nearly a thousand children not only in Bangalore, Mangalore and Mumbai but also those from other cities in India, as well as those from neighboring countries like Malaysia, and those from as far away as the Middle East and the United States of America.

Given the popularity of the program and the demand for new units, we embarked on documentation of the program, in order to ease replication without very high professional input. We have been generously supported in this endeavor by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the Navajbai Ratan Tata Trusts, Mumbai. From June 2009 we are once again open to setting up more DEALL units on request, as a part of larger institutions, clinics, schools or preschools.