Supporting Nonverbal Communication in Phnom Penh: How Speech Therapy Helps Children Speak Without Words

In Phnom Penh, many families are searching for ways to support children who struggle to speak verbally. Whether due to developmental delays, autism, motor disorders, or other conditions, some children are “nonverbal”—but that doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.

At OrbRom Center, we specialize in helping nonverbal or minimally verbal children find their voice through a combination of speech therapy, augmentative communication tools, and caregiver collaboration. Every child deserves to be heard—and speech isn’t the only way to communicate.

What Does “Nonverbal” Really Mean?

“Nonverbal” is a broad term used to describe children who are not yet speaking or only use a few words to communicate. Some children may:

• Use gestures or sounds instead of words

• Rely on facial expressions or pointing

• Speak in single words or inconsistent phrases

• Be completely non-speaking due to medical, neurological, or developmental reasons

In Phnom Penh, where awareness is growing, families are now recognizing that silence does not mean a lack of intelligence or desire to communicate.

How OrbRom Center Helps Nonverbal Children Communicate

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we design individualized speech therapy plans to help nonverbal children build meaningful communication. Our therapy may include:

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• Sign language for basic needs and emotions

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices like tablets or voice apps

• Visual schedules and cues to support language understanding

• Oral motor exercises if physical speech is a goal

• Parent coaching to create consistent communication routines at home

Our therapists work one-on-one to empower each child to express their needs, feelings, and thoughts—regardless of whether they use spoken words.

Empowering Families in Phnom Penh

Parents often feel overwhelmed when their child is nonverbal. That’s why OrbRom Center provides more than just therapy—we offer guidance, emotional support, and practical tools that families can use in daily life. We also collaborate with occupational therapists and schools for a full-circle support system.

Early support is key. With the right intervention, many nonverbal children go on to develop functional communication—whether through speech, AAC, or a combination.

You can locate us easily on Google Maps.

Final Thought

Speech is only one way to speak. At OrbRom Center, we believe that every child in Phnom Penh has a voice—and our job is to help them use it, in whatever form it takes. If your child is nonverbal or struggling to speak, we’re here to help you take the first step toward communication.