How Speech and Occupational Therapy Work Together to Support Children in Phnom Penh

For many children with developmental delays, challenges don’t fit neatly into one category. A child may struggle to speak clearly and find it difficult to hold a pencil or button a shirt. That’s why at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we often combine speech therapy and occupational therapy to support the whole child—helping them communicate, move, and participate confidently in everyday life.

When speech and occupational therapy are integrated, children experience more meaningful progress in both areas. The two therapies are distinct, but deeply connected.

Understanding the Roles of Each Therapy

Speech Therapy focuses on communication and language development. This includes:

• Articulation and clarity of speech

• Vocabulary and sentence structure

• Understanding and using language

• Social communication and turn-taking

• Feeding and oral motor skills (when appropriate)

Explore more here: Speech Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps children improve functional independence. This includes:

• Fine motor skills (grasping pencils, using utensils)

• Sensory regulation (managing sound, touch, and movement)

• Hand-eye coordination

• Attention and executive function

• Daily living skills (dressing, grooming)

Learn more: Occupational Therapy Services

Why Combining Both Makes a Big Difference

Children with speech and motor delays often benefit most when therapy teams work together. For example:

• A child who struggles to hold a pencil in OT might also struggle to gesture or use sign language in speech therapy.

• A child who avoids certain textures due to sensory issues might also have feeding difficulties addressed in speech therapy.

• A child who can’t sit still or focus in OT may find it hard to participate in speech activities too.

By aligning goals, therapists can reinforce skills across sessions—like using play-based activities that promote both communication and motor planning.

Supporting Families in Phnom Penh

At OrbRom Center, families don’t have to choose between therapies—we guide them through a coordinated approach that supports real-life needs. Our team works with parents and schools across Phnom Penh to ensure strategies used in therapy are reinforced at home and in the classroom.

A Whole-Child Approach to Development

Every child learns and grows differently. By combining speech and occupational therapy, we support not just one skill—but the entire experience of learning, playing, and connecting with others. If your child is facing challenges in speaking, focusing, or doing everyday tasks, reach out. We’re here to help.