Sensory Play and Regulation: How Occupational Therapy Helps Children Stay Calm and Focused in Phnom Penh

For many children, the world can feel overwhelming—bright lights, unexpected sounds, new textures. These sensory experiences can be difficult to process, leading to distraction, anxiety, or behavioral challenges. That’s where occupational therapy comes in.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, sensory-based occupational therapy helps children regulate their bodies and emotions through play. Activities like clay molding, textured play, and color sorting allow children to engage their senses in a safe, structured way—building not just calm but also focus and emotional control.

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the environment. Some children may be over-responsive (hypersensitive), while others may seek more stimulation or struggle to register input.

Common signs of sensory challenges include:

• Avoiding certain textures, sounds, or lights

• Difficulty sitting still or paying attention

• Meltdowns during transitions

• Seeking movement, crashing, or spinning

• Appearing “zoned out” or withdrawn during tasks

How Occupational Therapy Uses Sensory Play

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists use sensory activities to help children organize their bodies and minds. These may include:

• Clay and playdough for hand strength and calming tactile input

• Color sorting and pattern matching for visual processing

• Heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, or squeezing

• Sensory bins, swings, and brushing protocols to calm or alert the nervous system

These tools are especially helpful for children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Creating Emotional Balance Through Routine

When children receive the right kind of sensory input, their ability to focus, regulate emotions, and engage in learning improves significantly. We teach families how to use sensory routines at home, helping children stay centered before school, during transitions, or after high-energy play.

This kind of support builds emotional resilience and empowers children to better handle daily challenges—both at home and in the classroom.

Is Your Child Easily Overwhelmed or Disconnected?

If your child shows signs of sensory dysregulation or frequently struggles with transitions, noise, or textures, occupational therapy can help. At OrbRom Center, we tailor every session to your child’s unique sensory profile and developmental needs.

Explore our occupational therapy services and learn how sensory support can unlock calm, focus, and confidence.