Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh: Giving Children the Tools to Communicate Clearly

In a bustling and diverse city like Phnom Penh, strong communication skills are essential for children to succeed — in school, at home, and within their communities. But for many young learners, speaking and expressing ideas can be overwhelming. Speech therapy provides a critical solution, and at OrbRom Center, families are finding specialized support that transforms frustration into confidence.

Who Needs Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is not only for children who are completely nonverbal. It benefits any child who has difficulty with:

• Pronunciation or articulation

• Vocabulary and grammar

• Understanding instructions

• Social conversations

• Stuttering or voice tone

• Delays in both Khmer and English speech

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we frequently support children who are late talkers, those on the autism spectrum, and children with language-based learning differences. Early intervention is our priority, but it’s never too late to start.

Understand how speech therapy helps language delays

Signs It’s Time to Seek Help

Parents are often told to “wait and see,” but that can delay essential support. Here are common signs your child may benefit from speech therapy:

• Not speaking by 18–24 months

• Difficult to understand compared to peers

• Frustrated when trying to talk

• Doesn’t respond to verbal prompts

• Struggles to follow routines or classroom instructions

The earlier these red flags are addressed, the easier it is for your child to catch up. At OrbRom, we offer speech-language screenings and full assessments to determine the right level of care.

Learn what happens during an autism assessment

Inside a Typical Session at OrbRom

Every child is unique, so no two sessions are the same. But what’s consistent at OrbRom is our use of:

• Visual aids to support comprehension

• Interactive games that teach sounds, words, and sentences

• Songs and stories to build listening and speaking skills

• Structured routines that provide predictability

• One-on-one instruction in a calm, sensory-informed space

We also integrate play and social learning to help children transfer their skills into real-life settings like school or home.

See why one-on-one attention matters

The Bilingual Challenge in Phnom Penh

Many children in Phnom Penh grow up in bilingual households, switching between Khmer and English daily. While this is a strength, it can also create confusion or delays in expressive language. Our therapists are trained to distinguish between language difference and language disorder, ensuring that children receive support only when it’s truly needed.

We provide therapy in the child’s stronger language first, and gradually build toward bilingual fluency. Parents are guided on how to support both languages at home.

Explore bilingual speech development

Speech Therapy and School Success

Children with speech and language delays often struggle with reading, writing, and understanding classroom expectations. This can lead to academic gaps and behavioral frustration. At OrbRom, our speech therapy sessions target the foundational communication skills that support learning, including:

• Vocabulary building

• Listening comprehension

• Following multi-step directions

• Asking and answering questions

• Verbal participation in group settings

When speech therapy is paired with other services like occupational therapy or developmental assessments, children gain a well-rounded support system to succeed across environments.

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Empowering Parents Along the Way

OrbRom Center doesn’t believe in “drop-off” therapy. Instead, we work alongside parents, caregivers, and teachers to ensure that communication strategies continue beyond the therapy room. Our team provides:

• Home carryover activities

• Progress updates

• Parent coaching sessions

• Goal alignment with school or IEPs

You’ll know what your child is working on and how to help them succeed, every step of the way.

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Why Families Choose OrbRom Center

OrbRom Center is recognized across Phnom Penh for its holistic, child-first approach to therapy. What sets us apart:

• Trained speech-language pathologists with international and local experience

• Bilingual services in Khmer and English

• Custom therapy plans based on individual goals

• Sensory-friendly environment

• Integration with other services (OT, behavior therapy, assessments)

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves — and we are committed to helping them do just that.

Learn more about our speech therapy services