Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): The Overlooked Language Difficulty in Khmer–English Learners (Phnom Penh)

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects a child’s ability to understand and use language despite normal hearing, learning opportunities, and no obvious neurological cause. In Phnom Penh, Khmer–English learners with DLD are often mislabelled as simply “still learning English.” That delay can cost precious time. If your child struggles in both Khmer and English—at home, in class, and during play—consider a proper evaluation and targeted support at OrbRom Center’s Speech Therapy and Assessments services.

How DLD looks in bilingual (Khmer–English) children

DLD is not caused by bilingualism. Children with DLD show persistent difficulties across both languages:

• Limited vocabulary and slow word-finding in Khmer and English

• Short or “telegraphic” sentences; errors with grammar/word order

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions, stories, or classroom routines

• Weak narrative skills—trouble retelling what happened, who, when, and why

For a quick primer on language components you can monitor at home and school, see: Communication & Language and Communication & Language Disorders.

DLD vs. second-language learning

Typical second-language learners make predictable errors that improve with exposure. With DLD, problems persist even with quality instruction and practice, and they appear in both languages used daily. This distinction matters in Phnom Penh classrooms where teachers balance Khmer and English instruction and need to know when to refer for a specialist review. Learn more about the therapy landscape here: What is Speech Therapy?.

What parents and teachers in Phnom Penh can do now

1. Document across settings. Note examples from home, school, and play.

2. Check both languages. Ask teachers how the child performs in Khmer and English tasks.

3. Seek a formal evaluation. OrbRom Center provides standardized language and developmental assessments tailored to bilingual learners. Start with our Assessments pathway.

A helpful read while you wait: Developmental Assessment Guide. For bilingual context: Bilingualism & Speech Development in Cambodian Children.

Evidence-based support at OrbRom Center (Phnom Penh)

Our SLPs design bilingual-aware treatment plans that respect your family’s language priorities and school curriculum:

• Explicit vocabulary & grammar teaching in Khmer and English

• Narrative intervention to build who/what/where/when/why, sequencing, and cohesive ties

• Listening comprehension training with visual supports and stepwise instructions

• Parent coaching for short, high-impact home routines (book-sharing, scripted play, daily instruction cues)

• School collaboration so strategies used in therapy carry into the Phnom Penh classroom

Early, targeted intervention changes trajectories. If your Khmer–English learner fits the DLD profile, book a developmental language evaluation and begin a focused plan at our Olympia City or Borey Peng Hout campuses: Speech Therapy and Assessments.