Speech Therapy for Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is one of the most common yet often misunderstood communication disorders among children. Unlike speech delays that may resolve over time, DLD affects how a child understands and uses language. It is not caused by hearing loss, low intelligence, or lack of exposure to language — it is a lifelong condition that impacts learning, communication, and social interaction.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we see many children who struggle to express themselves clearly, follow instructions, or organize their thoughts. With early diagnosis and tailored speech therapy, children with DLD can significantly improve their ability to communicate and succeed in both school and daily life.

How Speech Therapy Supports Children with DLD

Speech therapy plays a vital role in helping children with DLD overcome barriers in language development. A qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) designs a personalized therapy plan targeting the child’s specific strengths and challenges.

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapists use evidence-based techniques to strengthen both receptive (understanding) and expressive (speaking) language skills. Therapy sessions may include:

• Vocabulary building: Teaching new words through games, stories, and real-life contexts to enhance word knowledge.

• Sentence structure practice: Helping children form complete and grammatically correct sentences.

• Storytelling and sequencing: Encouraging children to retell stories or describe pictures to develop logical thinking and organization of ideas.

• Listening comprehension: Using interactive exercises to improve understanding of spoken language.

Our approach is highly interactive and play-based, ensuring that children remain engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.

Individualized Therapy at OrbRom Center Phnom Penh

Each child with DLD presents unique needs. Some may have difficulty understanding complex instructions, while others may struggle to express thoughts clearly. That’s why our speech therapy programs are designed to be flexible and child-centered.

Therapy sessions often begin with a comprehensive language assessment to identify the child’s current language level. From there, we create individualized goals and track progress over time. You can learn more about our assessment process here.

Our programs are integrated with other supportive services such as:

• Speech Therapy – focusing on improving articulation, fluency, and expressive language.

• Occupational Therapy – supporting sensory regulation and attention for effective learning.

• Preschool Program – providing early intervention in a structured, nurturing classroom.

• Special Needs Intensive Intervention – combining therapy and education for holistic development.

These services ensure that children receive comprehensive care addressing both communication and learning needs.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Research shows that early identification and intervention lead to better long-term outcomes for children with DLD. When language difficulties persist without support, they can affect reading, writing, academic performance, and social relationships.

In Cambodia, awareness of DLD is still growing. Many parents initially assume that their child will “catch up later,” but timely speech-language intervention makes a significant difference. At OrbRom Center, we work closely with families and teachers to create supportive environments at home and school.

Our team provides parents with home strategies such as:

• Modeling clear and slow speech.

• Expanding on a child’s short responses (“Yes, ball!” → “Yes, that’s a red ball!”).

• Reading storybooks daily to build comprehension and vocabulary.

These practical steps, combined with regular speech therapy, help children build stronger communication skills over time.

Why Choose OrbRom Center

As Cambodia’s leading hub for speech and language therapy, OrbRom Center is committed to helping every child reach their full potential. Our multilingual team of qualified professionals understands the local culture, education system, and family dynamics, ensuring that each program is both effective and relevant.

We believe that every child deserves the chance to express themselves confidently — whether in the classroom, on the playground, or at home.

If you notice that your child struggles to follow directions, form sentences, or communicate with peers, don’t wait. Contact OrbRom Center Phnom Penh to schedule an assessment and begin your child’s journey toward clearer, more confident communication.

Learn more about our Speech Therapy Services in Phnom Penh and how we can support your child’s communication growth.

Conclusion

Speech therapy for children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is more than just improving speech — it’s about unlocking a child’s ability to connect, learn, and thrive. With early assessment, personalized intervention, and consistent family support, children with DLD can achieve remarkable progress.

At OrbRom Center Cambodia, we are dedicated to empowering children through evidence-based language therapy and inclusive education practices tailored for Phnom Penh families.