What Is Speech Delay? Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

As parents, we eagerly await our child’s first words. Whether it’s “mama,” “dada,” or even a playful babble, speech development is a significant milestone. But what if those words come later than expected—or not at all? In Phnom Penh, more and more parents are becoming aware of speech delay in children and are turning to early intervention services like those offered at OrbRom Center to help their child thrive.

Understanding Speech Delay

A speech delay occurs when a child is not meeting typical speech and language milestones for their age. It can involve difficulties with producing sounds, using words to communicate, or understanding what others are saying.

Children develop at different rates, but a speech delay is usually identified when a child’s communication skills are significantly behind peers of the same age. It can be caused by hearing problems, developmental disorders, or simply a need for extra support in language acquisition.

Key Signs of Speech Delay Parents Shouldn’t Overlook

Here are some of the critical signs of speech delay you should be aware of:

1. Limited Vocabulary for Age

By 18 months, most children can say around 10–20 words. If your child uses fewer or no words at all, this could indicate a delay.

2. Lack of Babbling or Sound Play

Babbling is a precursor to language. If your child doesn’t coo, babble, or experiment with sounds by 12 months, it may be time to speak with a specialist.

3. Difficulty Combining Words

By the age of 2, children typically begin putting two or more words together like “more milk” or “go play.” If your child only uses single words, this could signal a delay.

4. Poor Comprehension

Even before children can speak clearly, they should be able to follow simple instructions like “give me the ball.” If your child doesn’t respond to directions, this might suggest a delay in receptive language.

5. Frustration or Behavioral Outbursts

Children who struggle to express themselves often act out. Frequent tantrums can sometimes be traced back to communication challenges.

Why Early Identification Matters

In Cambodia—and especially Phnom Penh—many parents still hesitate to seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness. But the earlier a speech delay is identified, the more effective the intervention can be.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide individualized speech therapy and developmental assessments that help children overcome delays and reach their full potential. Our licensed therapists use evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s specific needs.

How OrbRom Center Supports Children With Speech Delays

OrbRom Center offers two key services that are especially beneficial for children experiencing speech delays:

Speech Therapy Services

Our speech-language pathologists work one-on-one with children to help them improve their articulation, language development, and communication strategies. Whether your child is non-verbal or struggling with sentence structure, we provide tools and techniques that promote real progress.

Developmental Assessments

Before beginning therapy, our team conducts detailed developmental assessments to identify each child’s strengths and areas of need. These evaluations allow us to design a customized therapy plan that addresses both speech and underlying developmental concerns.

Realistic Expectations: Progress Takes Time

Every child is unique, and speech development is not a race. Some may catch up quickly, while others may need longer-term support. What matters most is taking that first step early—don’t wait for school-age to act.

If you’re in Phnom Penh and concerned about your child’s speech development, OrbRom Center is here to help with professional, compassionate, and affordable services. Early help can make a lifetime of difference.

If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing speech delay, don’t wait. Contact OrbRom Center today to schedule a developmental assessment and start your child’s path toward confident communication.