Is Your Toddler Not Talking Yet? When to Consider Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, many parents worry when their toddler isn’t talking like other children their age. Some are reassured by friends or relatives saying, “They’ll talk when they’re ready.” While late talking can be part of normal development, it’s important not to ignore the signs that may suggest something more. At OrbRom Center, we work with countless families who wished they had started speech therapy earlier.

If you’re wondering whether your child needs help, this guide will help you understand the early signs of speech delay—and how speech therapy in Phnom Penh can make a real difference.

How Much Should a Toddler Be Saying?

Every child develops at their own pace, but here are general speech and language milestones:

• By 12 months: Responds to name, uses simple gestures, babbles, maybe says one or two words.

• By 18 months: Says at least 10 words, understands simple instructions, points to familiar people or objects when named.

• By 24 months: Uses at least 50 words, combines two words (e.g., “more juice”), follows simple commands.

If your toddler is behind these milestones, or if their speech seems unclear, it’s time to speak to a speech-language pathologist. Learn more in our article: Early Signs of Autism—some speech delays overlap with other developmental concerns.

Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Your toddler may benefit from speech therapy if you notice:

• Very limited or no spoken words by age 2

• Difficulty imitating sounds or words

• Doesn’t respond to their name consistently

• Seems to understand little or none of what is said

• Avoids eye contact or social interactions

• Uses gestures instead of words beyond 18 months

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we offer comprehensive developmental assessments to help determine the cause of delays. Sometimes speech issues are isolated, while other times they may be linked to autism, hearing concerns, or sensory processing challenges.

Why Early Intervention Is So Effective

The earlier a child gets support, the better the long-term outcomes. Early speech therapy helps:

• Build stronger connections in the brain for language development

• Boost vocabulary and communication confidence

• Prevent frustration-related behaviors

• Prepare children for school and social settings

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapy services in Phnom Penh are designed to be child-friendly, play-based, and goal-driven. Therapy is customized to each child’s needs and adjusted as progress is made.

We also use tools like:

• Visual schedules, picture cards, and gestures

• Language-rich play involving toys, books, and games

• Activities to strengthen both expressive and receptive language

Explore how play-based therapy builds communication and why children thrive in a low-pressure, nurturing environment.

Support for Parents: You’re Part of the Team

Many parents feel anxious or guilty when their child doesn’t meet milestones. At OrbRom Center, we take a collaborative approach, involving families every step of the way. You’ll learn how to support your child at home with simple, practical strategies—like:

• Repeating and modeling correct words

• Using gestures and facial expressions

• Creating routines that include talking and listening

We also guide you through understanding what to expect during therapy sessions. Learn more here: What to Expect in Speech Therapy

If your child also struggles with coordination, focus, or sensory input, our occupational therapy services complement speech therapy perfectly—helping your child succeed across multiple areas of development.

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh?

Our center is trusted by families across Cambodia for:

• Qualified and experienced speech therapists

• Child-friendly, sensory-informed therapy rooms

• Bilingual (Khmer-English) therapy support

• Comprehensive care, from early assessments to long-term intervention

• Customized programs based on your child’s strengths and challenges

Our therapists don’t just work with speech—we work to unlock each child’s ability to connect, express, and thrive.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Act Early

If you’ve noticed your child isn’t talking like their peers, don’t wait for it to “fix itself.” Early speech therapy can dramatically improve your toddler’s ability to communicate, reducing stress for both child and parent. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we’re here to help your child find their voice—and their confidence.

Explore our Speech Therapy Services today