BRAVE Speech & Language Services
SPEAKING & TRAINING
with Narmilee Dhayanandhan
Bringing heart, science, and cultural humility to every conversation on autism and neurodiversity.
Transforming How We See and Support Neurodivergent Children
A BRAVE Perspective with Narmilee Dhayanandhan
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how to support autistic children through culturally responsive care, connection, and communication—Narmilee Dhayanandhan brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and lived experience to your stage. With over 22 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, a certified DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader, and Shanker Self-Reg® Facilitator, Narmilee Dhayanandhan has worked with autistic children and families across healthcare, school-based, research-based, community, private practice, and non-profit sectors—delivering talks that move both hearts and minds. Narmilee helps professionals and families shift from managing behaviors to nurturing relationships built on safety, trust, and understanding.
Rooted in her identity as a BIPOC clinician, Narmilee speaks from a globally informed, culturally responsive lens—shaped by her experiences growing up across Nigeria, Srilanka, England, and Canada. She has also provided mission-based speech-language services and delivered workshops in India and Ghana, equipping under-resourced communities with tools and strategies to support neurodivergent children. She deeply understands the challenges and triumphs of adapting to diverse languages, communication norms, cultural codes, and social behaviors.
With this knowledge, she invites audiences to explore the intersection of neurodiversity, race, culture, and identity—illuminating how overlapping forms of marginalization shape the experiences of autistic children and their families. Her approach challenges dominant narratives and offers practical, affirming strategies that honour the full humanity of every child.
From international conferences to school boards, community organizations, and parent groups, Narmilee’s talks are known for their emotional resonance and real-world relevance. She equips her audiences with actionable tools, poignant stories, and a renewed vision for inclusion—centred not on fixing children, but on understanding them. If you’re ready to support autistic children in ways that are relational, responsive, and culturally attuned, Narmilee delivers more than a talk—she delivers a paradigm shift.
Her presentation on self-regulation and co-regulation was the reset I didn’t know I needed. With deep authenticity, real-life strategies, and powerful audience engagement, she brings a rare mix of passion, connection, and practical wisdom that stays with you long after the session ends.”
Kara F., Educator and School Resource Leader, Durham
SIGNATURE TOPIC
Culturally Responsive Autism Care: Bridging Connection, Compassion & Co-Regulation
In a world rich with cultural diversity, supporting autistic children and their families requires more than clinical expertise—it calls for cultural humility, intersectional insight, and authentic connection.
In this powerful talk, Narmilee explores how stigma, shame, and invisible barriers shape family experiences—and how schools, health systems, and organizations can shift their lens to meet each child and caregiver with deep respect, co-regulation, and culturally responsive care.
This talk empowers audiences to:
- Understand the complex cultural and social factors influencing autism care
- Build bridges of trust through connection and compassionate co-regulation
- Adapt communication to honour each family’s language, pace and cultural context
- Foster inclusive environments that truly support neurodivergent children and their communities
Ideal for:
- School Boards & educator teams
- Healthcare teams & allied professionals
- Community-based organizations
- University & college training programs
I’ve had the honour of working with Narmilee over the past several years, and it has been a truly enriching experience. Her passion and depth of knowledge are evident in every presentation she delivers. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her speak on numerous occasions, and each time, I’ve come away inspired by her insights—particularly in the areas of self-regulation, neurodiversity, and autism as it impacts the children and families in our care.
What sets Narmilee apart is not just her expertise, but the inclusive and culturally responsive lens through which she approaches every topic. Her presentations are not only informative but also deeply engaging. She has a remarkable ability to connect with her audience, making them feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Attendees consistently leave with practical tools and strategies they can immediately apply to support the children and families they work with.
Narmilee’s work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for all learners.
John L., School Principal, Durham
WHO BENEFITS FROM NARMILEE’S TALKS
ALL Those Who Support Neurodivergent Children.
- Educators, School Leaders & School Boards
- Allied Health Professionals (SLPs, OTs, CDAs, SWs, Psychologists)
- Autism Clinics
- Developmental Service Providers
- DEI & Health Equity Teams
- Universities and College Training Programs
- Parent Advocacy Groups
- International & Nonprofit Organizations
“Narmilee’s passion for providing individually tailored, child and family centred intervention, for children with autism, was apparent throughout her keynote. Her presentation included well researched theory balanced with anecdotal observations of her personal experiences using the Floortime model with children and families.”
WHY BOOK NARMILEE?
- 22+ years of clinical experience as a clinician, and speaker across health, education, & nonprofit sectors
- Certified DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader
- Certified Shanker Self-Reg® Facilitator, integrating regulation science into real world practice
- BIPOC professional voice advancing culturally responsive care
- Fieldwork in Ghana and India, serving neurodivergent children in under resourced communities
- Lived cultural experience across 4 continents bringing global nuance to local systems
- A passionate advocate for cultural humility in therapy, education, and healthcare systems
- Skilled communicator with experience on both small and large stages—from intimate workshops to international conferences
- Known for emotionally resonant, story-rich presentations
- Trusted by families, educators, and clinicians across the globe
NOTABLE PAST PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- “Supporting Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation in Neurodivergent Children.” Durham Catholic District School Board
- “Creating Culturally Responsive Educational Environments.” Durham Catholic District School Board
- “What To Do When You’re Helpless? Supporting Your Child with Self-Regulation Challenges.” Managing Autism Conference – Ghana
- “Implementing a Mindfulness-Based Self-Regulation Program for Young Learners.” Global Conference on Holistic Learning and Development
- “Self-Regulation as the Foundation for Learning.” Spring into Literacy Conference
- “Mindful Parenting in This Era: Practices for Stress Recovery and Connection.” Annual Parenting Resilience Conference
- “Using the DIRFloortime® Approach to Support Autistic Children.” Grandview Children’s Centre & Durham Catholic District School Board
- “Play-Based Language Development for Children with Complex Needs.” Sarah’s Covenant Homes – India
A Growing List of Conferences and Organizations That Have Trusted Narmilee
- Schools and School Boards
- Global Conference on Holistic Learning and Development
- Spring Into Literacy Professional Development Conference
- Grandview Children’s Treatment Centre
- Regional and International Parent Community Conferences
- Managing Autism Conference, Ghana
- Sarah’s Covenant Homes in India
- University | College Training Program for Speech-Language Pathologists and Communicative Disorders Assistants
BOOK NARMILEE
FOR ENQUIRIES email Narmilee directly: narmilee@bravespeech.ca
Culturally Responsive Autism Care
Bridging Connection, Compassion, and Co-Regulation
