Teaching Daily Living Skills Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

Can your child brush their teeth, dress independently, or pack their school bag? For many children, these everyday tasks—known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—don’t come naturally. That’s where occupational therapy plays a critical role. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help children develop the life skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and beyond.

Whether your child has developmental delays, autism, ADHD, or struggles with motor coordination, daily living skills training through occupational therapy can significantly boost their independence and confidence.

What Are Daily Living Skills?

Daily living skills include the basic tasks required to function independently. These are typically divided into two groups:

1. Basic ADLs:

• Dressing and undressing

• Brushing teeth and hair

• Toileting and hygiene

• Eating independently

• Sleeping routines

2. Instrumental ADLs (for older children):

• Packing a school bag

• Preparing simple snacks

• Following a routine or schedule

• Organizing personal belongings

Children with developmental challenges often struggle with these tasks due to motor skill delays, sensory sensitivities, or executive function issues.

Learn more about executive functioning in child development

Why Some Children Struggle With Life Skills

Challenges with daily living tasks may result from:

• Poor fine motor coordination (e.g., trouble with buttons or shoelaces)

• Sensory aversions (e.g., disliking water, textures, or smells)

• Poor attention or sequencing skills

• Low motivation or confidence

• Lack of exposure or structured teaching

If your child avoids these tasks, becomes frustrated, or relies heavily on adult assistance, occupational therapy can help.

Also explore: Scissor Skills and Fine Motor Challenges

How OrbRom Center Supports Daily Living Skills

Our occupational therapists begin with a full evaluation to determine which daily tasks are difficult and why. Then we build a personalized therapy plan that may include:

• Task analysis – breaking activities into small, teachable steps

• Visual schedules and checklists to support memory and independence

• Adaptive tools – such as slip-on shoes, utensils with grips, or toothbrush timers

• Hand-over-hand practice to learn routines through guided repetition

• Positive reinforcement and goal setting to boost motivation

We make learning functional skills fun and achievable, using games, pretend play, and real-world practice in our therapy rooms and sensory-friendly bathroom setups.

See how we support transitions: Change Clothes Checklist for Special Needs

Benefits of Building Life Skills Through OT

Teaching life skills improves:

• Self-esteem – Children feel proud when they can “do it themselves”

• Family routines – Less resistance and fewer meltdowns

• School readiness – Independence in toileting, snack time, and task following

• Future success – Children with strong ADLs are better prepared for adolescence

These gains are especially important for children with autism, Down syndrome, or global developmental delays.

Consider pairing OT with speech therapy to improve both communication and functional independence.

Parent Coaching and Home Support

At OrbRom, parents are part of the therapy journey. We teach caregivers how to:

• Use consistent routines and language at home

• Create a calm environment with visual supports

• Avoid over-helping and encourage problem-solving

• Reinforce new skills with praise and consistency

Want to support home learning? Check out our sensory shop tools designed to aid everyday tasks.

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Life Skills Training?

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center provides:

• Licensed occupational therapists trained in pediatric ADLs

• Khmer-English bilingual therapy sessions

• Structured daily skills programs with real-life simulations

• Collaboration with parents and teachers for consistency

• Sensory-aware spaces for dressing, grooming, and routine practice

We meet each child at their current level and help them build toward independence—step by step.

Final Thoughts: Building Independence for Life

Whether it’s brushing teeth, packing a bag, or dressing for school, daily living skills are essential for a child’s growth and self-confidence. With structured support and compassionate guidance, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh helps children take ownership of their routines and thrive in everyday life.

Get started with daily living skills training at OrbRom Center