Welcoming Saona M Siddiq: Strengthening Occupational Therapy Phnom Penh at OrbRom Center

Finding the right support for children with developmental needs is one of the most important decisions parents and schools can make. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based services that truly make a difference. Today, we are excited to welcome Saona M Siddiq, Occupational Therapist, to our growing multidisciplinary team.

Strengthening Occupational Therapy Services in Phnom Penh

Occupational therapy plays a critical role in supporting children’s development, especially in areas such as sensory processing, motor skills, attention, and independence. With increasing awareness of developmental needs in Cambodia, the demand for structured and effective occupational therapy Phnom Penh services continues to grow.

Saona joins OrbRom with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Manipal College of Health Professions, MAHE (CGPA: 8.2). Her training follows internationally recognized standards, ensuring that children receive therapy aligned with global best practices.

Experience in Pediatric Therapy and Diverse Conditions

Saona brings solid clinical experience working with children across a range of developmental conditions. Her work includes supporting children with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Behavioral and social interaction challenges

Through her experience in pediatric intervention settings, Saona develops individualized therapy plans based on each child’s needs, strengths, and functional goals. This ensures therapy is not only structured but also meaningful and practical for daily life.

Evidence-Based and Structured Approach

Saona applies evidence-based frameworks to guide her clinical work, including:

• Sensory Integration
• Biomechanical and Developmental approaches
• Cognitive-Behavioral strategies
• Model of Human Occupation (MOHO)

She is also experienced in using standardized assessment tools such as the Sensory Profile and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). These tools support accurate assessment, goal setting, and progress monitoring.

This structured approach ensures that therapy at OrbRom is measurable, targeted, and outcome-focused.

Focus on Sensory Integration and Functional Skills

Many children experience challenges with sensory processing, which can affect attention, behavior, and learning. Saona integrates sensory-based strategies into her sessions to support:

• Improved attention and focus
• Emotional and behavioral regulation
• Motor coordination and body awareness
• Increased participation in learning and play

At the same time, she emphasizes functional outcomes such as classroom participation, fine motor skills, independence, and social engagement — ensuring that therapy translates into real-world improvements.

Strong Collaboration with Families and Schools

Saona understands that effective therapy extends beyond the therapy room. She actively works with parents, teachers, and other professionals by providing:

• Parent guidance and practical home strategies
• Collaboration with therapists and educators
• Clear documentation and progress tracking
• Consistent communication across settings

This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent support across home, school, and therapy environments.

Experience Across Clinical and Community Settings

In addition to pediatric intervention centers, Saona has gained valuable exposure in hospital and community settings, including:

• Intensive care units (ICU and NICU)
• Neurology and orthopedic departments
• Community and school-based programs
• Psychiatric and behavioral settings

This diverse experience strengthens her clinical reasoning and allows her to approach each child holistically.

Commitment to Growth and Professional Development

Saona is committed to continuous learning and evidence-based practice. Her academic background includes research on technology-based interventions for self-help skill development in children with cerebral palsy, reflecting her interest in innovation and practical outcomes.

She has also contributed to community initiatives such as sensory-friendly events, autism awareness programs, and school readiness workshops — reinforcing her dedication to both clinical work and community impact.

What This Means for Families in Phnom Penh

For families seeking occupational therapy Phnom Penh, Saona’s addition to the OrbRom team means:

• Increased access to high-quality therapy services
• Individualized, structured, and goal-oriented intervention
• Strong collaboration between therapists, parents, and schools
• Evidence-based approaches tailored to each child

Looking Ahead

At OrbRom Center, every new team member is carefully selected to ensure alignment with our clinical standards and values. Saona M Siddiq brings a combination of strong academic training, practical experience, and a child-centered approach that enhances our ability to support children and families in Phnom Penh.

We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of the children we serve.