Adult Speech Therapy in Cambodia: Regaining Communication After Stroke or Injury

Most people associate speech therapy with children—but adults need it too. For many Cambodians, a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition can suddenly rob them of their ability to speak, understand, or express themselves clearly. The good news is, with the right support, these communication skills can often be regained.

In Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers professional speech therapy services not just for children, but for adults and seniors recovering from stroke, trauma, or age-related conditions. Our approach is evidence-based, personalized, and rooted in respect for every individual’s dignity and goals.

The Silent Impact of Stroke and Brain Injury

Each year, thousands of people in Cambodia suffer strokes—often with devastating effects. Depending on the part of the brain affected, individuals may experience:

• Slurred or slowed speech

• Difficulty forming words (apraxia)

• Trouble understanding spoken language

• Loss of vocabulary or sentence structure (aphasia)

• Voice changes or reduced volume

• Cognitive and memory issues impacting communication

These challenges aren’t only medical—they’re deeply personal. They affect relationships, employment, and independence.

Learn how we support communication and behavior in complex cases through our Special Needs Intensive Intervention program, which is also suitable for adult clients needing consistent, structured rehabilitation.

What Adult Speech Therapy Looks Like

At OrbRom Center, adult speech therapy is always tailored to the individual. We begin with a full assessment to understand:

• What types of communication are impaired

• Which skills remain intact

• The person’s goals (e.g., making phone calls, holding conversations, reading aloud)

• Physical and cognitive limitations

Based on this, we develop a therapy plan focused on functional communication.

Therapy may include:

• Rebuilding vocabulary

• Practicing conversational phrases

• Oral motor exercises

• Reading and writing tasks

• Memory and naming drills

• Visual supports and gestures

• Voice training and volume control

Sessions are held one-on-one and can also involve family members to reinforce communication strategies at home.

Aphasia: The Most Common Post-Stroke Language Disorder

Aphasia is a condition that impairs the ability to speak, understand, read, or write. It’s one of the most common effects of stroke—but in Cambodia, it’s not well understood.

People with aphasia may:

• Know what they want to say but can’t find the words

• Mix up words or sounds

• Use vague or nonsensical language

• Repeat phrases over and over

• Have trouble following a conversation

• Be aware of their errors and feel frustrated or embarrassed

Speech therapy for aphasia involves gentle, repeated practice using real-life communication. Recovery is possible—but it requires time, patience, and expert guidance.

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for your family member, start with a communication assessment to understand their strengths and needs.

Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, and Other Conditions

Beyond stroke, adult speech therapy also benefits people with:

• Parkinson’s disease

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s

• Traumatic brain injury

• Multiple sclerosis

• Motor neuron disease (ALS)

• Voice disorders or vocal strain

In these cases, therapy may focus on voice clarity, swallowing safety, memory-based communication, or using alternative communication systems.

Speech therapy can also be combined with occupational therapy to support motor coordination, daily task planning, and environmental adaptation for better quality of life.

Why Speech Therapy Is Still Limited in Cambodia

Many adults in Cambodia never receive speech therapy after a stroke or injury, for several reasons:

• Lack of awareness of its benefits

• Limited number of trained therapists

• Cultural stigma around speech loss or disability

• Financial or transportation challenges

• Confusion between speech therapy and other medical services

At OrbRom, we’re committed to changing this narrative by:

• Providing speech therapy in both Khmer and English

• Offering flexible scheduling for adult clients

• Educating families about realistic expectations and recovery

• Empowering caregivers with home-based strategies

Learn how even visual aids like PECS and communication boards can help nonverbal individuals reconnect with loved ones.

Recovery Is Possible—And Worth It

Losing the ability to speak doesn’t mean losing your identity. With support, many people in Cambodia have made remarkable recoveries—regaining not just their speech, but their confidence, relationships, and sense of control.

At OrbRom, we don’t just treat symptoms—we build human connection. Our adult clients are respected as individuals with stories, struggles, and strength.