Helping Children Find Their Voice: Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

For many children, expressing themselves clearly is a natural part of development. But for others, speech and language can be a daily challenge. In Phnom Penh, more parents are now recognizing the importance of early support, and one of the most effective forms of intervention is speech therapy. At OrbRom Center, speech therapy services are designed to empower children by helping them communicate with confidence — in both Khmer and English.

Why Speech Therapy Matters

Speech therapy isn’t just about correcting how a child pronounces certain sounds. It’s a structured, individualized process that supports the development of language, social interaction, and communication skills. In Phnom Penh, where bilingual communication is becoming more common in education, therapy also helps children navigate language learning in a multilingual setting.

Some of the most common reasons children in Phnom Penh benefit from speech therapy include:

• Speech delays or unclear speech

• Difficulty forming sentences

• Stuttering or articulation issues

• Challenges with understanding and using language

• Social communication difficulties (such as in autism)

The Growing Demand in Phnom Penh

Over the past few years, Phnom Penh has seen a growing awareness of speech and language difficulties in children. More international schools, kindergartens, and special needs programs are referring children for early intervention services. However, not every center offers the personalized approach that OrbRom Center provides.

What makes OrbRom stand out is its one-on-one therapy model, where each child receives focused, individualized attention from trained speech-language therapists. This model supports faster progress, builds trust, and gives children the safe space they need to practice new skills.

Early Signs Your Child May Need Speech Therapy

Not sure whether your child needs speech therapy? Here are some common early signs:

• Not speaking any words by 18 months

• Using only a few words by age 2

• Difficulty following simple instructions

• Drooling or struggling with eating due to oral motor issues

• Frustration when trying to express needs

The earlier these signs are addressed, the better the outcomes. Early intervention has been proven to significantly improve language development and academic readiness. Learn why early support matters.

What Happens in a Speech Therapy Session?

Speech therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh is fun, structured, and engaging. Each session is designed around the child’s developmental level and interests. Therapists use a variety of techniques including:

• Play-based activities

• Visual supports and picture schedules

• Repetition and modeling

• Sound imitation exercises

• Language expansion strategies

The key to success lies in building rapport and using techniques that motivate the child. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s about meeting each child where they are.

Explore more on what to expect during speech therapy.

Bilingual Support: Khmer and English

In a bilingual city like Phnom Penh, language development can be complex. Many children grow up learning both Khmer and English, which sometimes causes delays in vocabulary or mixing of languages. At OrbRom, our therapists are trained to recognize the difference between true language delay and bilingual language development.

Supporting children in both languages ensures they don’t fall behind academically or socially. For children with autism or speech delays, this dual-language support is essential for full inclusion in Cambodian society.

You can also read about the benefits of speech therapy for bilingual children.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Parental involvement is crucial. After each session, OrbRom therapists share simple, at-home strategies for parents to use during daily routines. Whether it’s encouraging your child to request a snack using words or naming objects during bath time, small actions add up.

You can also try using visual supports or play-based learning activities at home to reinforce therapy goals.

Why Choose OrbRom Center?

OrbRom Center is one of the leading providers of speech therapy in Phnom Penh. Families choose us because of:

• Experienced speech-language pathologists

• Khmer- and English-speaking therapists

• Child-centered, one-on-one approach

• Close communication with families

• Integration with other services like occupational therapy and developmental assessments

We are committed to helping each child unlock their potential through language and communication. If you suspect your child may benefit from speech support, don’t wait. Contact OrbRom Center today or learn more about our speech therapy services.