Introduction to ARULA’s Speech Development Approach
Welcome to ARULA’s structured and intuitive Speech Development Course—a transformative journey for parents of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Founded by Mayuri Ramdasi Ma’am, ARULA stands as a parent-centric, child-directed approach that empowers mothers and fathers to become the most effective therapists in their child’s life.
In this introductory course, parents will be guided through a series of 10 focused video lessons that provide clear, practical, and progressive strategies to nurture speech development in children on the autism spectrum. Here's a brief overview of what each video covers:
Video 1: Understanding Developmental and Speech Milestones
The journey begins with identifying where your child currently stands. This foundational video helps parents assess the child’s speech delay by comparing it with standard developmental milestones. Understanding how much of a gap exists allows us to design an appropriate and realistic path forward.
Video 2: Speech Development in Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent Children
While the process of speech development is universal, the path taken by neurodivergent children varies in rhythm and pattern. This video dives into key differences in how children with autism acquire language, helping parents avoid incorrect comparisons and build empathy and understanding.
Video 3: Where and How the Journey Begins
Speech development in autism isn’t age-bound. No matter the child’s age, the right approach can bring meaningful change. This session explores how to initiate speech development at any stage of the child’s life and how readiness plays a more vital role than age.
Video 4: Comprehension Precedes Expression
Before a child can speak meaningfully, they must understand the language spoken around them. This lesson focuses on the concept that comprehension is the foundation of expression—a critical insight that transforms how we approach communication in autism.
Video 5: The Importance of Listening Skills
Listening is not passive—it’s a skill that must be developed deliberately. In this video, Mayuri Ma’am explains why building strong listening skills is the starting point of speech and how it paves the way for real, two-way communication.
Video 6: How to Begin Developing Listening Skills
Now the real work begins. This session walks parents through the step-by-step process of helping the child follow commands and instructions. These are core practices that improve auditory processing and support the development of responsive listening.
Video 7: Developing Emotional Expression
Speech is not just about words—it’s about emotion. This video explores how enhancing a child’s ability to express feelings contributes to better communication. Emotion gives context to words and is a vital part of developing meaningful language.
Video 8: ARULA’s Signature Techniques – Parallel Talk & Incidental Teaching
Here, parents are introduced to techniques unique to ARULA. Parallel Talk and Incidental Teaching allow natural speech development through real-life interactions and everyday moments, helping the child associate words with actions and objects effortlessly.
Video 9: Story Narration and Sustained Listening
Narrating stories isn't just a bedtime ritual—it’s a powerful tool in speech development. This video explains how to build your child’s interest in sustained speech, using storytelling to improve vocabulary, listening, and verbal engagement.
Video 10: Speech Through Self-Dependence
The final video brings the ARULA philosophy full circle. Here, parents learn how encouraging independence in daily routines directly fosters the development of two-way verbal communication. Self-dependence leads to natural expression—this is ARULA’s motto.
Learn. Observe. Apply ARULA.
ARULA is more than a course. It is a lifestyle change. It’s not about speeding up results—it’s about building lasting progress through understanding, patience, and the right methods. As you begin this journey, remember:
“Observe ARULA. Grasp ARULA. Study it and learn.”
You are not alone on this path. You are guided, supported, and equipped to bring out the best in your child.