Speech Therapy and Emotional Regulation: Supporting Children in Phnom Penh

Children who struggle to express their needs often struggle to regulate their emotions. When they can’t find the words to say, “I’m tired,” “I need help,” or “I don’t like this,” frustration builds—and that frustration can turn into crying, withdrawal, or even aggression. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help children improve not just how they speak, but how they manage emotions through speech and communication skills.

Speech therapy plays a vital role in emotional development. When a child learns how to name feelings and communicate effectively, they gain control over their actions and responses. It’s not just about speech—it’s about self-regulation and connection.

Why Language and Emotions Are Deeply Connected
Children develop self-regulation skills by understanding and naming what they feel. If a child cannot say, “I’m scared” or “I’m angry,” they often express those emotions through behaviors like yelling, running away, or shutting down. This is especially true for children with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Speech delays or language disorders

• Sensory processing challenges

When we teach children how to describe their internal experiences—”I feel nervous,” or “This is too loud”—we reduce the need for emotional outbursts. This gives them the tools to communicate needs calmly and clearly.

How OrbRom Center Integrates Emotional Language into Speech Therapy
At OrbRom Center, our speech-language pathologists work on communication and emotional vocabulary side by side. In many cases, children with limited expressive language also struggle with emotion identification and regulation.

Therapy sessions may include:

• Emotion vocabulary building with visuals and real-life examples

• Social stories and role play to model appropriate emotional responses

• Visual emotion charts to help children label feelings in the moment

• Scripts and sentence frames (e.g., “I feel ___ because ___”) to support expressive language

• Mindfulness breathing games and movement breaks to manage arousal levels during therapy

We also use tools like the Weighted Sensory Blanket and Sensory Peapod to help regulate the nervous system, especially for children who need deep pressure input to feel calm.

The Benefits of Emotion-Focused Speech Therapy
When children improve their emotional vocabulary and expressive language, families and teachers often notice:

• Fewer meltdowns and less frustration

• Better transitions between activities

• Improved problem-solving and flexibility

• Stronger social interactions with peers

• Increased self-confidence

At OrbRom, we help children feel safe to express themselves—whether they use words, visuals, or supported speech. We celebrate each moment a child says, “I need a break,” instead of acting out.

Parents and Teachers Are Key Partners
Children don’t only need to practice emotional communication in therapy—they need support throughout the day. That’s why we train parents and teachers in strategies to reinforce emotional regulation at home and school. These include:

• Using emotion cards during routines

• Narrating emotions out loud to model healthy expression

• Encouraging journaling, drawing, or simple speech alternatives

• Providing calming areas with sensory supports

We often recommend tools like the Sleep Sound Machine to improve nighttime routines, as better sleep directly supports mood and regulation during the day.

When to Consider Emotion-Focused Speech Therapy
Your child may benefit from speech therapy focused on emotional regulation if they:

• Struggle to express their needs and feelings verbally

• Have frequent outbursts when frustrated

• Can’t explain why they are upset or overstimulated

• Seem to lack awareness of their emotional state

• Have difficulties transitioning between activities or settings

A Developmental Assessment at OrbRom Center will help determine whether speech and language challenges are contributing to emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Why Families in Phnom Penh Choose OrbRom Center
We are one of the few centers in Cambodia that connects speech therapy with emotional development. Families choose OrbRom Center because we offer:

• Highly trained therapists with experience in neurodiversity, trauma, and emotional needs

• Integrated therapy that addresses both language and behavior

• Khmer and English therapy options

• A full Sensory Shop with tools to support home routines

We don’t just teach words—we teach children how to use words to connect, calm, and communicate with confidence.

Conclusion: Words for Emotions, Tools for Life
In Phnom Penh, many children are navigating emotional challenges in silence. But with speech therapy that focuses on emotional communication, they can learn to name their feelings, ask for what they need, and manage difficult moments with confidence.

At OrbRom Center, we believe communication is the foundation for emotional health. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, or speech delays, our team is here to support them in finding their voice—both in words and in emotions.

Explore our Speech Therapy Services today to get started.