How Speech Therapy Supports Bilingual Children in Phnom Penh

Raising a bilingual child is a gift—but it can also come with unique language development challenges. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we work closely with bilingual families to support their children’s speech and communication skills through targeted speech therapy. Whether your child speaks Khmer, English, or both, speech therapy can help bridge any language gaps and build strong communication foundations.

Understanding Speech Delays in Bilingual Children

It’s common for bilingual children to mix languages, use simpler grammar, or take longer to speak fluently. This isn’t necessarily a sign of a disorder—but when speech development lags significantly behind peers, a deeper look is often needed.

Some parents worry that learning two languages might confuse their child or cause speech delays. However, research shows that bilingualism does not cause language disorders. A qualified speech-language pathologist can help determine whether your child’s challenges are part of typical bilingual development or if intervention is needed.

When to Consider Speech Therapy for Your Bilingual Child

If your child is bilingual and:

• Has trouble expressing thoughts clearly in either language

• Struggles to follow instructions or understand simple questions

• Uses very limited vocabulary for their age

• Is difficult to understand even to family members

…it might be time to explore speech therapy.

At OrbRom Center, our therapists are trained to assess bilingual children without confusing normal variation with true speech or language disorders. We conduct developmentally appropriate evaluations and tailor interventions to meet your child’s unique linguistic background.

Our Phnom Penh-Based Speech Therapy Services

Located in Olympia City, Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers individualized speech therapy sessions that focus on building confidence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in both of your child’s languages. We work closely with families to set achievable goals and provide strategies you can use at home to reinforce communication skills.

Our sessions often include:

• Storytelling and pretend play

• Picture cards and visual aids

• Multilingual activities that blend both languages

• Parent training for carryover at home

Whether your child attends an international school or a Khmer-speaking environment, we make sure their therapy matches their educational and social settings.

Why Early Support Matters

Children’s brains are especially responsive to language learning during their early years. Getting support early makes it easier for them to build strong foundations in both languages—reducing frustration and boosting their ability to connect with others.

Speech therapy isn’t about choosing one language over another. It’s about helping your child communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in all the languages that matter in their life.

If you’re a parent in Phnom Penh concerned about your bilingual child’s speech development, reach out to OrbRom Center today. Early support makes all the difference.