Helping Late Talkers Thrive – Speech Therapy for Toddlers in Phnom Penh

Every child develops at their own pace, especially when it comes to speaking. Some children begin talking early, while others take their time. But when your toddler is significantly behind in using words or forming sentences, you might start to worry. In Phnom Penh, many parents are unsure whether their “late talker” needs speech therapy or will simply catch up with time.

At OrbRom Center, we specialize in identifying and supporting late talkers through personalized speech therapy programs. With the right approach, toddlers who struggle with speech can make significant progress and build strong communication skills for life.

What Is a Late Talker?

A late talker is typically defined as a toddler between 18 and 30 months old who understands language and shows typical play and motor skills but has a limited spoken vocabulary. For example:

• At 18 months, a child should say at least 10–20 words

• By 24 months, they should be combining two words and have a vocabulary of at least 50 words

• By 30 months, most children are forming short sentences and asking simple questions

Late talkers may communicate through gestures, facial expressions, or sounds, but they struggle to express themselves with words. Without support, these children may fall further behind as language demands increase with age.

Causes of Late Talking

There are many possible reasons a child may be a late talker. These include:

• Family history of speech delay

• Being raised in a bilingual environment (without a true delay, just a different pace)

• Recurrent ear infections that affect hearing

• Limited exposure to language

• Sensory processing issues or mild developmental delays

• Autism spectrum disorder or neurological differences

It’s important to identify the cause early so your child receives the right type of support.

Why Early Speech Therapy Matters

Many parents are advised to “wait and see.” While some late talkers do catch up on their own, research shows that children who receive early speech therapy are more likely to close the gap faster and more fully. The earlier therapy begins, the easier it is to shape language pathways in the developing brain.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we take a proactive and play-based approach. We work with toddlers and their families to:

• Expand vocabulary through engaging activities

• Teach word combinations and sentence building

• Improve understanding of instructions and questions

• Encourage turn-taking and joint attention

• Support parents in building language-rich home routines

Explore our Speech Therapy Services to see how we help toddlers gain confidence in communication.

What to Expect in Therapy for Late Talkers

Speech therapy for toddlers is very different from therapy for older children. Sessions at OrbRom Center are:

• Play-based and interactive to keep toddlers engaged

• Family-centered, with guidance for parents at every step

• Goal-driven, with measurable milestones

• Adapted to learning style, including visual, tactile, or auditory supports

Our therapists may use toys, songs, games, and everyday objects to teach words, actions, and concepts in meaningful contexts.

If there are concerns beyond speech (such as attention, motor skills, or behavior), we may also recommend an assessment or additional support through our Special Needs Intensive Intervention program.

Tools That Support Communication at Home

At home, consistent routines and a calming environment are essential for supporting language development. OrbRom Center’s Sensory Shop includes carefully selected tools to help toddlers stay regulated and ready to communicate.

Helpful tools for late talkers include:

• Sensory Rocking Chair: Provides gentle motion that calms the nervous system and supports attention

• Weighted Sensory Blanket: Promotes deep sleep, which aids in brain development and memory

• Sleep Sound Machine: Helps establish consistent bedtime routines for better daily performance

These items can be especially helpful for toddlers with sensory sensitivities or difficulty settling.

When to Seek Help

If your child is 18 months or older and not meeting key speech milestones, don’t wait. A speech-language evaluation at OrbRom Center will help determine whether your child is a late bloomer or needs targeted support.

We’re proud to support families across Phnom Penh with experienced therapists, child-friendly environments, and results-driven interventions. Most importantly, we treat every toddler as a whole person—not just a speech delay.

Visit our Speech Therapy Services page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.