Recognizing the Signs of Speech Delay in Young Children – What Phnom Penh Parents Should Know

As a parent, noticing that your child isn’t speaking as expected can be both confusing and worrying. In Phnom Penh, many families are asking the same question: “Is this just a phase, or does my child need speech therapy?” The reality is that early signs of speech delay are often overlooked—but catching them early can make a world of difference.

At OrbRom Center, we support families by offering personalized speech therapy in Phnom Penh, helping children find their voice through evidence-based, compassionate care.

The image above portrays a familiar moment: a young child expressing frustration without the words to explain. This is often one of the first signs parents notice—and it’s a key indicator that support may be needed.

What Is Speech Delay?

Speech delay means a child is not developing speech at the expected rate for their age. It may include:

• Late talking or lack of words

• Trouble putting words together

• Difficulty being understood by others

• Limited vocabulary for age

• Inconsistent or unclear speech sounds

Speech delay can be related to hearing issues, developmental delays, oral-motor challenges, or simply a need for more language-rich interaction.

Common Signs to Look Out For

Here are some typical red flags that may indicate a speech delay:

By 12 months:

• Not babbling

• Not responding to name

• No gestures like waving or pointing

By 18 months:

• Fewer than 10 words

• Not imitating sounds or words

• Difficulty understanding simple instructions

By 24 months:

• Fewer than 50 words

• Not combining two words (“want milk”)

• Hard to understand even by parents

If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s time to consider a developmental assessment.

How Speech Therapy at OrbRom Center Helps

At OrbRom Center, we specialize in early intervention speech therapy tailored to each child’s needs. Here’s how we approach support:

• Initial Evaluation: A detailed assessment of your child’s speech, language, and communication profile.

• Individualized Plan: Therapy goals matched to your child’s developmental level and learning style.

• Play-Based Therapy: Interactive sessions that engage the child through toys, stories, songs, and everyday routines.

• Parent Coaching: We guide caregivers on how to build speech and language at home using strategies that work in daily life.

Whether it’s helping a toddler say their first words or supporting preschoolers with clearer sentence structure, our sessions are always designed to be fun, functional, and personalized.

Outdoor Speech Development Activities

We also encourage parents to use everyday moments—like playing outside—to boost communication. Activities like naming objects, singing while walking, or describing what the child sees are powerful ways to enrich language.

Our therapists incorporate outdoor play into therapy when appropriate, especially for children who benefit from sensory movement and open environments.

Why Early Support in Phnom Penh Matters

The earlier a child with a speech delay receives therapy, the better their long-term outcomes. That’s why families across Phnom Penh are turning to OrbRom Center. Located in the heart of the city (view on Google Maps), we’re making speech therapy more accessible, inclusive, and parent-friendly.

Don’t Wait—Take the First Step

If your child is struggling to speak, it’s not something to ignore or delay. With professional guidance and family involvement, children can catch up and thrive in their communication.

Let OrbRom Center help your child move from frustration to expression—one word at a time.