How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy can be a pressing question for parents in Phnom Penh. Recognizing early signs of speech and language delays is crucial for your child’s social, academic, and emotional development. In the first few years, children achieve milestones like babbling, first words, and simple sentences. If these milestones aren’t met, seeking professional support can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key indicators that your child may benefit from speech therapy, explain the evaluation process, and show you how OrbRom Center’s expert speech therapy services can help.
Find us on Google Maps.

Understanding Typical Speech Development Milestones

Children typically follow a predictable path in speech development:

  • By 12 months: Babbling with repeated sounds (e.g., “ba-ba,” “ma-ma”).

  • By 18 months: Using 6–10 clear words.

  • By 2 years: Combining two-word phrases (e.g., “more juice”).

  • By 3 years: Forming simple sentences of 3–4 words.

  • By 4 years: Telling short stories and having conversations.

While there’s natural variation, significant delays—like fewer than 50 words by age 2 or unclear speech by age 3—signal it’s time to consider an evaluation.

Signs Your Child Might Need Support

How to Know If Your Child Needs Speech Therapy hinges on spotting these red flags:

  1. Limited Vocabulary: If your 2-year-old uses fewer than 15–20 understandable words, they may have a speech delay.

  2. Difficulty Being Understood: Children over 3 should be at least 75% intelligible to strangers.

  3. Frustration During Communication: Frequent tantrums or withdrawal when trying to express needs can indicate speech struggles.

  4. Stuttering or Repetitions: While some repetition is normal, persistent stuttering beyond age 5 warrants professional attention.

  5. Lack of Social Interaction: Avoidance of playdates or poor engagement in group settings may stem from language challenges.

  6. Trouble Following Directions: Difficulty understanding simple, two-step instructions could point to a receptive language issue.

Recognizing these signs early helps you act swiftly to support your child’s growth.

Steps for Evaluating Your Child’s Speech

  1. Observation at Home and School: Keep a log of your child’s speech milestones and any concerns voiced by caregivers or teachers.

  2. Consult a Pediatrician: Your doctor can rule out hearing loss or medical issues impacting speech.

  3. Schedule a Speech-Language Screening: OrbRom Center offers comprehensive screenings that take about 30 minutes.

  4. Detailed Assessment: If the screening indicates delays, our team conducts a full speech and language evaluation using standardized tools.

  5. Individualized Plan: Based on results, we develop a personalized therapy plan tailored to your child’s strengths and needs.

Early intervention—ideally before age 3—yields the best outcomes and reduces the need for intensive therapy later on.

How OrbRom Center Can Help

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our certified speech-language pathologists specialize in pediatric speech and language disorders. Here’s what sets our speech therapy services apart:

  • Child-Centered Approach: Fun, play-based sessions that keep your child engaged.

  • Family Involvement: We coach parents with at-home strategies to reinforce progress.

  • Multilingual Expertise: Support for Khmer and English, accommodating Phnom Penh’s diverse community.

  • Collaborative Care: Coordination with occupational therapists and educators for holistic support when needed.

Whether your child needs help with articulation, language comprehension, or social communication skills, our team is here to guide every step.
Learn more about our speech therapy services.

Taking the Next Step: Your Action Plan

  1. Monitor Milestones: Use a simple chart to track your child’s speech and language growth.

  2. Reach Out Early: If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait—contact us for a screening.

  3. Visit Us: Find OrbRom Center on Google Maps: and schedule an appointment.

  4. Commit to Consistency: Attend sessions regularly and practice recommended exercises at home.

  5. Celebrate Progress: Recognize and reward small wins to keep your child motivated.

By acting on these steps, you’ll ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive.





Source link