Building Listening and Comprehension Skills in Children with Speech and Language Challenges

Listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about understanding, processing, and responding in meaningful ways. For many children with speech and language challenges, listening and comprehension skills take time to develop. In Phnom Penh, more parents and teachers are realizing that these foundational abilities are essential for academic success and everyday communication.

At OrbRom Center, we work with children who need support in receptive language development, helping them strengthen their understanding through engaging, targeted therapy.

What Are Listening and Comprehension Skills?

These skills include:

• Following instructions

• Understanding questions

• Processing new vocabulary

• Making sense of stories and conversations

Children with language delays or auditory processing difficulties may appear inattentive or “not listening,” when in fact they are struggling to decode what they hear. This can lead to challenges in school, social interaction, and behavior regulation.

Signs Your Child May Need Help

• Trouble following multi-step directions

• Frequently asking “What?” or needing repetition

• Difficulty answering WH-questions (who, what, where, why)

• Confusion when stories are read aloud

• Avoiding group conversations or becoming easily distracted

In Phnom Penh, many children experience these difficulties—but with the right support, they can thrive.

How Speech Therapy Builds Understanding

At OrbRom Center, we use evidence-based strategies to help children strengthen receptive language. Our therapy sessions may include:

• Picture books and visual aids to build context

• Simple games that require listening and responding

• WH-question drills using real-life scenarios

• Interactive storytelling and role play

• Visual schedules to improve understanding of routines

Our speech therapists tailor each session to the child’s age, interests, and current level of comprehension.

How Parents Can Help at Home

As seen in many Phnom Penh households, regular reading and conversation can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to support your child:

• Read together daily and ask open-ended questions

• Use gestures or visuals to support spoken language

• Break instructions into smaller steps

• Give your child time to respond

• Praise listening and eye contact when it happens naturally

Consistency between home and therapy enhances learning and builds confidence.

Support Your Child’s Language Development in Phnom Penh

Whether your child has a diagnosed language delay or you’ve simply noticed some struggles, early intervention matters. At OrbRom Center, we provide personalized speech therapy in Phnom Penh that builds both understanding and expressive communication.

Let’s help your child grow into a confident communicator—one step, one word, one conversation at a time.