The Power of Requesting: A Key Milestone in Early Speech Development

One of the most exciting moments for any parent is when their child begins to communicate their wants and needs clearly. For children developing speech and language skills—especially those receiving early intervention—learning how to request is a major milestone.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we focus on functional communication. That means helping children use language in real, meaningful ways—like asking for toys, snacks, or help. Requesting is one of the earliest and most important skills we teach in speech therapy.

Why Requesting Matters

Requesting isn’t just about getting something—it’s about initiating communication and building independence. When a child learns to request, they begin to understand that communication has power.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• Promotes independence: Children gain control over their environment

• Reduces frustration: Especially for nonverbal or minimally verbal children

• Builds vocabulary: Through labeling items and actions

• Teaches social interaction: Making eye contact, using gestures or words

• Leads to more complex speech: Like combining words into phrases (e.g., “I want juice”)

Learning to ask for something is often the first step toward full conversations.

How We Teach Requesting at OrbRom Center

Every child is different, so we tailor our methods to each child’s abilities and needs. At OrbRom, we use:

• Visual aids and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) for nonverbal children

• Hand-over-hand prompting to help children learn how to point or hand over pictures

• Modeling and repetition to build confidence and understanding

• Motivating objects—we use toys or snacks the child truly wants

• Natural environment teaching: Practicing during meals, play, and daily routines

Whether verbal or nonverbal, our goal is the same: to give the child a reliable way to express themselves.

What Phnom Penh Parents Can Do at Home

You can support your child’s communication at home with simple routines:

• Pause before giving: Wait for your child to signal or say what they want

• Model the word: “Do you want apple? Say ‘apple’”

• Use signs or pictures: Encourage any form of communication

• Celebrate every attempt: Even pointing or sounds deserve positive feedback

• Create opportunities: Place favorite items just out of reach so your child must ask

The goal is not perfection—it’s progress. The more children experience success through requesting, the more they’ll want to communicate.

Empowering Children Through Functional Speech

At OrbRom Center, we believe every child has a voice. Sometimes it starts with a word, sometimes with a gesture—but every effort matters. Teaching requesting is about more than just speech; it’s about building confidence, independence, and joy in expressing oneself.

If your child is struggling to speak, or if they rely on pointing or crying to get their needs met, we can help.

Learn more about our Speech Therapy Services