Animated Language Learning

Developed by Galway native Enda Dodd, Animated Language Learning (ALL) is newly developed internet based software specially developed for children with moderate to severe language learning difficulties. He created the programme following numerous failed interventions with his twin sons, Conor and Eoin. Both the boys were diagnosed with Autism and severe hearing impairments by the age of 4.

The programme’s development is supported by Enterprise Ireland, Adobe Corporation, NUI Galway, Galway Autism Partnership and the Mari Caulfield Speech and Language Therapy Centre, Galway, along with Disney Pixar, who form the basis of the programme. A number of leading academics and experts have also contributed to the development of this programme, including Professor Bryna Siegel, Director of the Autism and Neurology Clinic at University of California.

The family moved back to Galway in the summer of 2012 in order to conduct pre-launch trials of the programme with Irish families, providing them with the help the Dodd family were unable to obtain. The first pre-launch phase of the ALL programme was such a success and with urgency for the programme at such as high level the company has decided to run a second pre-launch phase.

At present, there is a steady flow of families enrolling on the programme with one family seeing a change in their child within three months, saying “the programme has shown us how bright our son really is”, this child began to spell words on the fridge, something he has never done before.

The programme is suitable for children aged from three to ten years. Enda is looking for a limited number of families for this pre-launch phase, which will have access to the programme 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at a cost of €100 per month. This pre-launch phase is expected to fill to capacity quickly, and once it is filled, the programme will not be available until its commercial release, which is not expected to be for up to 18 months.

All information about the programme can be found on the ALL website and any enquiries can be submitted via the website or via the company’s Facebook page, Animated Language Learning.