BRAVE Speech & Language Services

BRAVE CHILD SPEECH THERAPY

Helping Each Child and Family Find Their BRAVE Voice

BRAVE CHILD SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES

Over 22 years of Pediatric Speech Therapy Experience in Durham and GTA Supporting Children with Autism, Apraxia of Speech, Language Delays, and Complex Communication Needs

At BRAVE, we offer tailored speech therapy for children with autism, childhood apraxia of speech, late talkers, oral language delays, and complex communication needs. Using evidence-based, individualized approaches, we help children express themselves effectively, while supporting their unique communication journey in a fun, engaging, and affirming way

OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE AND CARE

Where BRAVE Takes Root: Real Moments. Real Children. Real Connection.

Step into our world of relationship-based care through short glimpses of our work—one story, one interaction, one breakthrough at a time.

SPEECH THERAPY FOR AUTISM

Play Video
Learn More

EARLY INTERVENTION / TODDLER SPEECH DELAY

Speech and language therapy and parent coaching for young children who are not yet talking or combining words.
Play Video
Learn More

CHILDHOOD APRAXIA OF SPEECH

Speech therapy for children whose speech is unclear, inconsistent, and difficult to understand using techniques such as PROMPT, and Kaufman Speech to Language Praxis approach
Play Video
Learn More

ORAL LANGUAGE

Speech and language therapy for children who are having difficulty understanding questions, following, instructions, retelling stories, or speaking in proper sentences.
Play Video
Learn More

COMPLEX COMMUNICATION NEEDS & GENETIC SYNDROMES

Speech and language therapy for children who need an integrated approach and various modalities of support including Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Play Video
Learn More

BRAVE CHILD SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES

Comprehensive Evaluation of Speech and Language Skills

We evaluate your child’s skills in communication, comprehension of language, expressive language, speech production, motor speech development, and readiness for use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), in order to identify and prioritize areas for speech therapy.

Individualized Speech and Language Therapy

We provide one on one speech therapy to support areas of needs identified by the evaluation including language comprehension, expressive communication, speech production, or motor speech development.

Parent Coaching & Training

We coach parents and caregivers on target strategies to support their child’s development of skills.

Evidence-Based Approaches

We are trained in a range of research-backed speech and language therapy methods to ensure effective, individualized intervention.

Culturally Responsive Care

We recognize the difference between language delays and language differences, ensuring assessment and intervention is culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Strength-Based Therapy

We harness each child’s unique strengths and interests to support their areas of growth in a motivating and engaging way.

Family-Centered & Individualized

Therapy is tailored to the needs of both the child and family, promoting meaningful communication in everyday life.

Inclusive & Neuro-affirming

We respect and support each child’s natural way of communicating, creating an environment where they feel safe, valued, and empowered.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH AREA OF SPEECH THERAPY MY CHILD NEEDS?

Wondering which area of therapy your child may need? Use our guide below to better understand the signs and needs of your child’s communication development

Autism
1. Differences in Social Communication
Challenges with back and forth communication, reading and responding to social cues, and partaking in typical social interactions
2. Differences in Nonverbal Communication
Difficulty with eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, or body language.
3. Difficulty in Developing, Maintaining, and Understanding Relationships
No interest or challenges in making friends, adjusting behavior in social settings, or showing interest in peer interactions.
4. Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Engaging in repetitive movements (e.g., spinning, rocking, running) or having highly focused interests.
5. Insistence on Sameness
Preference for routines, rituals, or predictability, and becomes stressed when they are disrupted.
6. Sensory Processing Differences
Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input such as sounds, textures, lights, or movement.
7. Unusual Speech Patterns
Echolalia (repeating words or phrases), unique intonations, or differences in expressive language.
8. Hyperfocus on Specific Interests
Intense passion for certain topics, objects, or activities beyond what is typical for their age.
9. Differences in Play Skills
Preference for solitary play, lining up toys, or engaging in play differently than peers.
10. Emotional and Self-Regulation Differences
Challenges with managing emotions, adapting to change, or regulating responses to sensory and social stimuli.
Toddler Speech Delay / Late Talker
1. Limited Vocabulary
Uses fewer words than expected for their age, with slow or minimal word growth.
2. Delayed First Words
Does not say first words by 12-15 months or struggles to combine words by age 2.
3. Difficulty Imitating Sounds or Words
Struggles to copy sounds, gestures, or words when prompted.
4. Reduced Babbling
Babbles less or differently than peers in infancy (e.g., fewer consonant-vowel sounds).
5. Challenges with Combining Words
By 24 months, has difficulty putting two words together (e.g., “want toy”).
6. Understands More Than They Say
Appears to understand what is said, but struggles to express themselves verbally.
7. Frustration with Communication
May use gestures, pointing, or other nonverbal means to compensate, sometimes leading to frustration or tantrums.
8. Limited Use of Social Words
Uses fewer words for interaction, such as greetings (“hi,” “bye”) or requesting (“more,” “help”).
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
1. Inconsistent Speech Sound Errors

A child may say the same word differently each time they attempt it (e.g., “banana” → “nana,” “baba,” “banma”).

2. Difficulty with Sequencing Sounds & Syllables

Struggles to put sounds together in the correct order, especially in longer words (e.g., “butterfly” → “buh-fly”).

3. Groping Movements

Visible struggle or effort to position the lips, tongue, or jaw correctly when trying to say a word.

4. Vowel Distortions

Vowel sounds may be unclear or slightly incorrect (e.g., “cat” sounds like “cet” or “cot”).

5. Increased Errors with Longer or More Complex Words

Speech accuracy worsens as words or sentences become longer or more difficult.

6. Prosody Differences (Melody & Rhythm of Speech)

Speech may sound choppy, monotone, or have inappropriate stress patterns (e.g., “ba-NA-na” instead of “BA-na-na”).

7. Inconsistent Progress with Traditional Speech Therapy

Standard articulation therapy may not lead to expected improvements because CAS requires specialized motor-based therapy.

8. Difficulty Imitating Speech Sounds or Words
Struggles to repeat words or sounds, even when given a model to follow.
Oral Language and Literacy
1. Limited Vocabulary
Struggles to learn and use new words compared to peers.
2. Difficulty Understanding Questions & Instructions
Has trouble following multi-step directions or answering questions appropriately.
3. Inaccurate Sentence Structure
Uses short, incomplete, or grammatically incorrect sentences (e.g., “Him go store” instead of “He went to the store”).
4. Difficulty Telling Stories or Expressing Ideas
Struggles to organize thoughts and relay events in a logical sequence.
5. Challenges with Phonological Awareness
Difficulty recognizing rhymes, identifying syllables, or breaking words into sounds, which are key skills for reading.
6. Delayed Speech Sound Development
Persistent speech sound errors that make it hard to be understood, beyond the expected age.
7. Struggles with Letter Recognition & Sound Correspondence
Difficulty matching letters to their sounds (e.g., not knowing that “B” makes the /b/ sound).
8. Limited Interest in Books & Reading
Avoids books, struggles to engage with stories, or has difficulty recognizing common sight words.
9. Slow Reading Development
Trouble decoding (sounding out) words, blending sounds, or recognizing high-frequency words.
10. Difficulty with Writing & Spelling
Has trouble forming letters, spelling words correctly, or writing sentences that make sense.
Complex Communication Needs & Genetic Syndromes
1. Speech & Language Challenges
  • Delayed Speech Development – Late onset of first words and difficulties with expressive language.
  • Articulation & Motor Speech Disorders – Conditions like Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) or dysarthria may be present.
  • Receptive & Expressive Language Gaps – Some children understand more than they can express, while others struggle with both comprehension and expression.
2. Cognitive & Learning Differences
  • Intellectual Disabilities – Ranges from mild to severe cognitive impairments affecting problem-solving, memory, and academic skills.
  • Processing Difficulties – Challenges with auditory or visual processing, affecting language comprehension and reading.
  • Executive Function Deficits – Trouble with attention, organization, and flexible thinking.
3. Motor & Coordination Issues
  • Low or High Muscle Tone – Conditions like hypotonia (low tone) or hypertonia (high tone) can impact speech, feeding, and overall movement.
  • Fine & Gross Motor Delays – Difficulty with handwriting, coordination, or motor planning.
4. Sensory Processing Differences
  • Over- or Under-Responsiveness to Sensory Input – May be highly sensitive to sounds, textures, or lights, or seek excessive sensory input (e.g., spinning, chewing).
  • Difficulty Regulating Sensory Experiences – Struggles with self-regulation, leading to emotional outbursts or avoidance behaviors.
5. Social & Communication Differences
  • Difficulty with Pragmatic Language – Challenges in understanding and using language for social interactions.
  • Limited Nonverbal Communication – Reduced use of gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
  • Autism Spectrum Traits – Some genetic syndromes, such as Fragile X or Rett Syndrome, have overlapping characteristics with Autism.

“Never assume a person who has difficulty communicating has nothing to say.”

– Stacy Sekinger –

GET STARTED WITH BRAVE TODAY

Location

Located in the heart of Ajax, Ontario

Phone

(416) 738-5775

Email

info@bravespeech.ca

Request Consultation

    “Children who struggle to communicate define what it means to be BRAVE in this world.”
    – Narmilee Dhayanandhan, Founder of BRAVE – 

    Culturally Responsive Autism Care

    Bridging Connection, Compassion, and Co-Regulation

    🎤 Want to bring this conversation to your event?

    Request Narmilee as a Speaker
    Request For Speaking Events

      Request For Speaking Events