Supporting Children with Apraxia of Speech in Phnom Penh: A Guide for Families

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare but serious motor speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak clearly and consistently. Unlike articulation or language delays, apraxia makes it difficult for children to plan and coordinate the muscle movements needed for speech—even when they know what they want to say. For families in Phnom Penh, access to specialized speech therapy is key to helping children with apraxia develop effective communication.

At OrbRom Center, we provide targeted, evidence-based speech therapy for children with apraxia. Our team is trained to recognize the signs, deliver appropriate intervention, and support families through the journey of building speech from the ground up.

What Is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?

Apraxia is a neurological disorder, not a result of muscle weakness or low intelligence. Children with CAS often:

• Understand more language than they can express

• Struggle to imitate or repeat words

• Say words differently each time (inconsistent errors)

• Have difficulty putting sounds together in the correct order

• Use fewer spoken words despite good comprehension

• Exhibit visible effort or frustration when trying to speak

Because CAS is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a qualified speech-language therapist. OrbRom Center offers Developmental Assessments that screen for apraxia and other speech conditions in children.

Why Early, Intensive Therapy Is Critical

For apraxia, occasional therapy sessions are rarely enough. Children benefit most from frequent, intensive intervention that focuses on motor planning, sound sequencing, and multisensory feedback.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide:

• Repetitive, structured speech practice using visual, tactile, and auditory cues

• Drills with increasing complexity, starting from single sounds to full sentences

• Cueing systems like tapping or visual prompts to guide muscle movements

• Progress tracking that targets correct sound combinations and functional communication

Because CAS therapy requires consistency, our team also works with families to carry over practice into the home environment.

Explore our Speech Therapy Services to learn how we support children with CAS.

Tools to Support Focus and Regulation During Therapy

Children with apraxia often need additional support to maintain attention and emotional regulation during speech therapy. At OrbRom Center, we integrate sensory-friendly tools to help children stay focused and calm throughout sessions.

Recommended tools include:

• Noise Cancelling Headphones: Help children block out distractions and tune in to verbal cues.

• Sensory Rocking Chair: Supports calm and body awareness during speech drills.

• Sleep Sound Machine: Encourages restful sleep, which supports attention and memory critical for speech learning.

These products can be used at home to support your child’s overall communication success.

The Role of Parents in Apraxia Therapy

For children with apraxia, daily repetition is key. At OrbRom Center, parents are trained to become active partners in therapy. We provide:

• Home practice worksheets and speech drills

• Tips on using visual and tactile cues at home

• Support for managing frustration and celebrating small wins

• Strategies to help children generalize new sounds to everyday situations

Consistency at home is just as important as the sessions themselves. With the right tools and guidance, parents can help reinforce their child’s progress in natural settings like mealtime, play, and storytime.

Why Families in Phnom Penh Choose OrbRom Center

Apraxia of speech requires more than general speech therapy—it requires a therapist who understands motor speech planning and individualized intervention. OrbRom Center is proud to be one of the few centers in Phnom Penh offering this level of specialization.

We also provide:

• Special Needs Intensive Intervention for children needing more frequent and structured support

• Collaboration with preschools and teachers for consistent carryover

• Culturally sensitive, family-centered therapy programs

Our goal is to help children speak more clearly and with greater confidence—no matter how long the journey takes.

Don’t Wait—Support Starts with a Voice

Childhood apraxia doesn’t resolve on its own, but with the right support, children can and do learn to speak. If you’re in Phnom Penh and concerned about your child’s speech, contact OrbRom Center for a consultation.

Visit our Speech Therapy Services page today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Every child deserves a voice—and we’re here to help them find it.