It can be deeply concerning when a child isn’t speaking as expected. Parents in Phnom Penh often find themselves worrying, searching for answers online, and asking, “Is this normal? Should I wait? Should I act?” If you’re reading this, you’re not alone — and the good news is, there are clear, supportive steps you can take.
Early language development is a critical part of a child’s cognitive and social growth. When a child isn’t talking, it may be a delay, or it could signal something more significant. Acting early and understanding the situation is key — and that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.
Understanding the Speech Milestones
Every child develops at their own pace, but speech and language milestones serve as helpful indicators:
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By 12 months: Babbling, imitating sounds, and using simple gestures.
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By 18 months: Saying a few words, pointing to familiar objects.
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By 24 months: Using short phrases, around 50 words or more.
If your child is significantly behind in these milestones, it’s time to take action rather than taking a “wait and see” approach.
Why Isn’t My Child Talking?
Speech delays can be caused by a range of factors, including:
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Hearing issues – A child with undiagnosed hearing loss may not learn to speak as expected.
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Oral-motor difficulties – Problems with tongue or jaw coordination can make speech difficult.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – Delayed speech is a common early sign.
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Environmental factors – Lack of verbal interaction or exposure to language-rich environments.
In Phnom Penh, many parents are surprised to learn that early professional assessment and support can significantly change outcomes.
What Should I Do First?
The first step is a professional developmental or speech and language assessment. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help parents determine whether their child is simply a late talker or may benefit from more targeted intervention.
Our team evaluates expressive and receptive language, social interaction, cognitive skills, and behavior patterns to build a full picture of your child’s communication needs. You can learn more about our comprehensive assessments here.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
If a speech delay is identified, early speech therapy can make a tremendous difference. At OrbRom Center, our Phnom Penh-based speech therapists use individualized techniques to:
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Build vocabulary and sentence use
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Strengthen articulation and clarity
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Enhance social communication skills
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Improve attention, engagement, and turn-taking
We use evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s unique learning style. Through play-based therapy, visuals, and structured communication activities, we turn frustration into progress.
Explore our speech therapy services in Phnom Penh to see how we support your child’s voice, step-by-step.
Don’t Wait — Early Support Makes the Difference
It’s easy to hope your child will “grow out of it.” But in many cases, waiting delays the help your child truly needs. Studies show that early intervention leads to better long-term communication, social, and academic outcomes.
At OrbRom Center, we’ve helped countless families in Phnom Penh access early diagnosis and personalized care. Whether it’s helping your child say their first words or supporting them in forming complete sentences, we are here for every milestone.
You Are Not Alone
It’s not your fault. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every child has their own rhythm. What matters is taking the next step forward. With the right guidance, your child’s voice can emerge stronger than ever.
Let’s take that step together — starting today.
