Encouraging First Words: Early Speech Therapy for Toddlers in Phnom Penh

Every parent treasures the moment they hear their child say their first word. But for some toddlers, those first words come later than expected. In Phnom Penh, more families are seeking professional support when speech development doesn’t follow the usual timeline. At OrbRom Center, we specialize in early speech therapy for toddlers, helping children build a strong foundation for communication from the very beginning.

The image above perfectly captures a toddler in the early stages of expressive communication—gesturing, vocalizing, and engaging with an adult. These are all important pre-language skills that can be supported and nurtured with the right guidance.

When Should a Toddler Start Talking?

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones parents should be aware of:

• By 12 months: Saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” and understanding basic instructions

• By 18 months: Using 10–20 words and beginning to name objects

• By 24 months: Saying 50 or more words and combining two-word phrases

If your toddler isn’t reaching these milestones, it may be time to seek an assessment from a qualified speech-language therapist.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier a child receives speech therapy, the better the outcomes. Early therapy supports not only language development but also social skills, cognitive growth, and school readiness.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our speech therapists are trained in early childhood communication and use developmentally appropriate, play-based strategies to:

• Encourage first words

• Expand vocabulary

• Improve gesture and vocalization use

• Build understanding of simple instructions

• Teach early social communication skills like turn-taking

What Speech Therapy Looks Like for Toddlers

Toddlers learn best through play and routine. Our sessions at OrbRom Center include:

• Songs and nursery rhymes

• Toy-based language play

• Repetitive and simple instructions

• Parent-child interaction coaching

• Use of sign language or visuals when helpful

Parents are an essential part of every session. We work closely with caregivers to integrate speech strategies into everyday routines—mealtime, bath time, or playtime.

Our centrally located center in Phnom Penh (view on Google Maps) is designed to be toddler-friendly, with engaging spaces that promote natural interaction.

What If My Child Is Only Gesturing?

Gesturing (pointing, reaching, showing) is an important early step in communication. However, if your toddler uses only gestures and no spoken words by 18–24 months, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

Our therapists evaluate how your child uses sounds, gestures, eye contact, and comprehension—and create a personalized plan to move them from gestures to verbal communication.

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Early Speech Therapy?

Families across Phnom Penh trust OrbRom Center for:

• Experienced, licensed speech-language therapists

• Specialized expertise in toddler speech development

• Engaging, play-based therapy sessions

• Strong parent support and home program guidance

• Integration with occupational therapy when fine motor or sensory challenges are present

Whether your child is not yet talking or showing early signs of delay, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Let’s Start Talking – Book a Consultation Today

Your child’s first words are just the beginning of a lifelong journey of communication. If your toddler is showing signs of delay, now is the perfect time to take action.

Contact OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh to schedule a speech therapy assessment. Together, we’ll build the bridge from gestures to words—and from silence to confident expression.