Why Cultural Identity, Language, and Lived Experience Matter in Autism...
Read MoreBRAVE Speech & Language Services
ABOUT BRAVE Speech and Language Services
Neurodiversity affirming Autism Services and Speech Therapy Serving the Durham Region, Greater Toronto Area, and Ontario
Who We Are
At BRAVE Speech & Language Services, we provide neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, self-regulation support, social play groups, and family coaching for autistic children and those with complex communication needs.
Founded by Narmilee Dhayanandhan, a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 22 years of clinical experience, BRAVE was created to offer relationship-first, culturally attuned, and emotionally safe care to children who are often misunderstood.
In addition to therapy, BRAVE offers speaking engagements and workshops designed to empower those who support neurodivergent children and families—equipping caregivers, educators, and professionals with practical, compassionate tools.
Rooted in developmental science, cultural humility, and lived experience, BRAVE delivers care that is deeply personalized, evidence-informed, and community-focused.
At BRAVE, we don’t just work with children. We walk with families.
The BRAVE™ Approach: A Culturally Responsive Model of Care
The BRAVE™ Model was created by Narmilee Dhayanandhan after more than 20 years of working alongside children and families across healthcare, education, clinical research, private practice, and non-profit sectors. Built on a foundation of relationship-based practice, self-regulation science, and cultural humility, BRAVE™ offers a clear, compassionate framework for supporting neurodivergent children and families.
BRAVE:
- B - Building Relationships
- R - Reframing Challenges
- A - Affirming Diversity
- V - Validating Voices
- E - Empowering Families
Want to learn more?
The full model will be featured soon.
WHAT WE OFFER
Speech & Language Evaluation
Comprehensive, compassionate assessments that uncover your child’s communication strengths and needs—so we can build the right support, together.
Speech & Language Therapy
Neuro-affirming support for autistic children, those with language delays, childhood apraxia, and complex communication needs.
Self-Regulation Support
Individualized support to nurture self-regulation, well-being, and confidence—bringing out each child’s authentic voice and capacity to connect.
Friendship & Social Play Groups
Interest-based small groups that foster authentic peer connection, communication, collaboration, confidence, and joy.
Parent Coaching & Support
Coaching for parents and caregivers to carryover communication goals in home and the community, as well as access to a psychotherapist to support with emotional resilience.
Speaking, Workshops & Consultancy
Professional development and guidance for families, clinicians, educators, and community organizations—offering insight on neurodiversity, culturally responsive care, self-regulation, and play-based therapy.
WHO WE SERVE
- Autistic and neurodivergent children, aged 1-year to 16-years
- Toddlers and young children with language delays, childhood apraxia, and complex communication needs (ages 1-year to 12-years)
- Families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds seeking respectful, culturally responsive support
- Parents and caregivers Parents and caregivers
- Professionals, educators, community organizations, and students seeking consultative guidance, supervision, or professional development
HOW WE WORK
We offer in person, in-home, and virtual sessions based on the best fit for your child’s profile and family needs.
In Clinic
In Home
Virtual
WHERE WE WORK
We are located in the heart of Ajax, Ontario.
We service children and families across Ontario, with a strong focus on the Durham Region, and Greater Toronto Area.
Durham Region
Greater Toronto
Ontario
YOUR NEXT STEPS
The BRAVE Client Journey
- Step 1: Book a Free 10-minute Discovery Call
- Step 2: Initial Consultation & Family Interview
- Step 3: Collaborative Goal Setting
- Step 4: Start Therapy
- Step 5: Ongoing Coaching, Reflection & Reassessment
Ready to Take the Next Step?
READ OUR BLOGS
Understanding Intersectionality
Supporting Autistic Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities What...
Read More
What Does Neuro-affirming Really Mean?
In Practice with Autistic Children The term “neuro-affirming” is gaining...
Read MoreGET STARTED WITH BRAVE TODAY
Location
Located in the heart of Ajax, Ontario
Phone
(416) 738-5775
info@bravespeech.ca
Request Consultation
Who We Are
Brave Speech and Language Services was founded [by Narmilee Dhayanandhan, a registered and licenced Speech – Language Pathologist practicing in Ontario, Canada since 2003,] to honour the diversity and bravery of children who struggle to communicate.
- Brave provides a range of speech and language services
- Over 21 years of clinical experience helping children with communication disorders
- Rigorous training and certifications in a multitude of approaches and techniques
- Regulated and licenced health professionals affiliated with a professional college
- We are a service Provider through the Ontario Autism Program
- We provide innovative, culturally
- We focus on uncovering the reasons for challenging behaviours
- We offer a safe and supportive therapy environment
- We coach parents, siblings, and other significant individuals in the child’s life
- We offer workshops and social groups to teach engagement
- We are located in Durham and serve all of Southern Ontario.
- Building Relationships
- Reframing Challenges
- Affirming Diversity
- Validating Voices
- Empowering Families
- Building Relationships
- Reframing Challenges
- Affirming Diversity
- Validating Voices
- Empowering Families
- Building Relationships
- Reframing Challenges
- Affirming Diversity
- Validating Voices
- Empowering Families
- Building Relationships
- Reframing Challenges
- Affirming Diversity
- Validating Voices
- Empowering Families
Culturally Responsive Autism Care
Bridging Connection, Compassion, and Co-Regulation