Late Talkers in Phnom Penh: How Speech Therapy Can Help Children Catch Up

Some children start talking later than expected—but how do you know if your child is just a “late bloomer” or if there’s a deeper delay? In Phnom Penh, many families wait and see, hoping their child’s speech will come naturally with time. While that’s true in some cases, others need guided intervention. At OrbRom Center, we specialize in helping late talkers build strong communication skills through personalized speech therapy.

If your child is 18 months to 3 years old and not meeting speech milestones, early support can prevent future learning difficulties and improve confidence at home and school.

What Is a Late Talker?
A “late talker” is a toddler (typically between 18 and 30 months) who has a good understanding of language, plays well, and has age-appropriate motor skills—but speaks fewer words than expected.

By 18 months, most children can say about 20 words. By age 2, they should be using 50+ words and starting to combine them into two-word phrases. If your child isn’t doing this, they may benefit from a Developmental Assessment at OrbRom Center to better understand what’s behind the delay.

Common Causes of Delayed Speech
While every child is different, some common reasons for delayed speech include:

• Genetic predisposition (family members who spoke late)

• Frequent ear infections impacting hearing

• Environmental factors (low interaction, excessive screen time)

• Bilingual learning environments without enough exposure to either language

• Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or global developmental delay

The earlier we identify the cause, the more effective the intervention. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we offer speech therapy tailored to each child’s background and learning style.

How Speech Therapy Helps Late Talkers
Speech therapy for late talkers focuses on boosting expressive language—the ability to use words, gestures, and eventually sentences. At OrbRom Center, we use play-based strategies that feel natural and fun for toddlers, such as:

• Imitation games: Encouraging children to repeat simple sounds and words

• Interactive books: Expanding vocabulary through pictures and repetition

• Functional play: Using toys and routines to model language (e.g., “car go,” “more juice”)

• Parent coaching: Teaching strategies for home routines like mealtime or bath time

We also provide visual supports and use simple sign language when needed to help bridge the communication gap while verbal speech develops.

Supporting Speech at Home: Tips for Parents
Parent involvement is one of the strongest predictors of success in late talkers. Here are a few strategies we teach at OrbRom:

• Follow your child’s lead: Talk about what interests them instead of directing the conversation

• Pause and wait: Give your child time to respond instead of rushing to fill silence

• Repeat and expand: If they say “ball,” you say “big ball” or “roll ball”

• Limit screen time: Real-time human interaction is key for speech development

We also recommend tools like the Sleep Sound Machine for bedtime regulation, which supports better sleep and cognitive development—both important for language growth.

When to Worry: Red Flags for Delayed Speech
While some variation is normal, consider speech therapy if your child:

• Says fewer than 20 words by 18 months

• Isn’t combining two words by age 2

• Doesn’t respond to their name or follow basic directions

• Uses gestures but few or no words

• Shows frustration or tantrums when trying to communicate

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait. Speech therapy can prevent delays in reading, social skills, and academic readiness later on.

Why Phnom Penh Families Choose OrbRom Center
OrbRom Center is known across Phnom Penh for its effective, play-based speech therapy programs for toddlers and preschoolers. Families trust us because we offer:

• Qualified, child-friendly speech-language pathologists

• Culturally responsive therapy in both Khmer and English

• Sensory-integrated learning environments

• Parent education and at-home support

We’re not just helping kids talk—we’re giving them the tools to connect with others, express themselves, and succeed in everyday life.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait to Communicate
Late talking doesn’t always mean a long-term problem—but the earlier you intervene, the better the outcome. In Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center provides supportive, research-based speech therapy to help late talkers catch up and thrive.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s speech is on track, we’re here to help. Visit our Speech Therapy Services to book an assessment and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s communication potential.