Pioneering Communication Interventions: Prof. Karanth’s ‘ Transformative Work in Early Childhood Speech and Language Development”

Dr. Prathibha Karanth stands as a distinguished leader in the field of speech and language pathology, with a career devoted to advancing support systems for children with developmental disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As the Director and Managing Trustee of the Com DEALL Trust in Bengaluru, she has pioneered early intervention programs that offer life-changing support to children facing communication and language challenges. Dr. Karanth’s innovative approach addresses the unique needs of autistic children, focusing on the essential areas of communication, social interaction, and behavioural development.

Her expertise in language and communication has driven her to create the Com DEALL Program (Communication DEALL). This structured and comprehensive model fosters young children’s language, social, and motor skills. This program is among the few in India specially designed for children with autism, providing crucial support from infancy through developmental milestones. The program aims to empower children to integrate into mainstream society, focusing on structured activities to strengthen communication and behavioural skills.

Under Dr. Karanth’s visionary leadership, Com DEALL has evolved into a widely adopted multi-centre model recognised for its scientific methodology and effectiveness. The program’s reach has expanded across India, granting families access to much-needed resources and interventions. Beyond this, Dr. Karanth’s commitment to capacity-building is evident in her extensive training programs for caregivers, parents, and educators, empowering communities to better support children with ASD.

In addition to her work with Com DEALL, Dr. Karanth is highly regarded as a researcher, author, and speaker. She has contributed extensively to the body of knowledge on speech and language disorders. Her research has influenced policies and programs at both the national and international levels, and she continues to be a sought-after mentor for emerging clinicians and researchers in the field.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Prathibha Karanth received the Dr. Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award in 2015, conferred by the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) in Secunderabad. This prestigious award was presented on 6th December 2015, honouring Dr Karanth as the third recipient for her pioneering work through the Com DEALL Trust, which supports autistic individuals across diverse age groups. The award, instituted in 2013 in memory of Dr. Reeta Peshawaria by her husband, Dr. Desh Keerthi Menon (former Director of NIMH), celebrates professionals engaged in groundbreaking clinical, research, and advocacy work in developmental disabilities within the Indian context.

Selected through a committee, Dr. Karanth was awarded a citation and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, generously contributed by Dr. D.K. Menon, his family, and NIMH. This recognition underscores her invaluable role in advancing support services for autism and exemplifies her lifelong dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Karanth’s work inspires a new generation of specialists committed to building a more inclusive future for all.