How Oral-Motor Assessments Support Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

When it comes to speech delays or articulation issues, the first step to effective intervention is a detailed oral-motor assessment. In Phnom Penh, many parents seek support at OrbRom Center after noticing that their child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, chewing properly, or controlling saliva. These issues often stem from underlying oral-motor challenges—muscle weakness, poor coordination, or structural concerns affecting the lips, tongue, and jaw.

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapists use oral-motor assessments to better understand how a child’s mouth and facial muscles function. This ensures we tailor therapy plans that address the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

What Is an Oral-Motor Assessment?

An oral-motor assessment examines the physical and functional use of the mouth for speech, eating, and breathing. During this assessment, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) will:

• Observe how a child opens and closes their mouth

• Evaluate tongue movement, strength, and control

• Check lip closure and jaw stability

• Look for signs of oral sensitivity, drooling, or muscle tone issues

These insights help therapists determine whether difficulties in speech production are due to structural, sensory, or coordination issues—and guide therapy accordingly.

When Should Parents in Phnom Penh Seek an Oral-Motor Assessment?

If your child shows any of the following signs, an oral-motor assessment at OrbRom Center may be recommended:

• Slurred or unclear speech

• Trouble pronouncing specific sounds (e.g., /r/, /s/, /th/)

• Excessive drooling beyond toddler age

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food

• Mouth remains open at rest or lips don’t fully close

Identifying these issues early allows our Phnom Penh-based speech therapists to incorporate specific oral-motor exercises into the therapy plan. These may include blowing, tongue stretches, chewing exercises, and lip-strengthening activities.

Integrated Speech Therapy at OrbRom Center

At OrbRom Center, speech therapy is not a one-size-fits-all program. Every child receives a personalized plan built from comprehensive assessments—including oral-motor evaluations. By understanding each child’s strengths and challenges, we offer focused and effective therapy that improves communication and daily functioning.

If you’re a parent in Phnom Penh concerned about your child’s speech clarity or oral habits, reach out to OrbRom Center for a consultation today.