Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh: Helping Your Child Find Their Voice
If your child is hard to understand, says fewer words than other children their age, or struggles to follow what is said to them, you are not alone — and it is not something to wait out. Speech therapy at Ascend helps children with articulation, language comprehension, and social communication, using play-based sessions that children actually enjoy. Here is what speech therapy at Ascend in Phnom Penh includes, who it's for, and how to start.
Who is speech therapy for?
Children come to us for many reasons. The most common signs parents notice:
- Articulation — sounds or words that are unclear, hard for others to understand
- Expressive language — fewer words than expected for their age, short or simple sentences, difficulty naming things
- Language comprehension — difficulty understanding what is said, following directions, or answering questions
- Social communication — trouble taking turns in conversation, expressing needs and feelings, or playing with peers
- Fluency — stuttering or hesitant speech
- Feeding or oral-motor concerns that affect speech
Some children need help with one area; most need support across two or three. A speech assessment tells you exactly where your child is and what will help.
What Ascend speech therapy includes
- A speech and language assessment to understand your child's strengths and challenges
- One-on-one therapy sessions built around your child's specific goals
- Articulation practice — pronouncing sounds and words clearly
- Language comprehension work — understanding spoken language and following instructions
- Social communication training — taking turns, expressing needs and feelings, interacting with peers
- Play-based techniques for younger children — circle time, stories, and games that encourage speaking
- Family involvement — strategies you can use at home, in both Khmer and English
- Progress tracking and regular review against your child's IEP
What a session looks like
Step 1 — Assessment first. We start with a conversation and a speech assessment to map your child's communication strengths and challenges.
Step 2 — A plan you help build. Your child's speech goals go into their IEP, created with you, our educators, and our therapists.
Step 3 — Sessions that feel like play. For younger children, that might mean speaking during circle time or story activities. For older children, it might mean refining pronunciation or practicing conversations with peers.
Step 4 — Skills that carry into the classroom. The real goal is communication that works at school, at home, and with friends — so your child is ready for integration into a general classroom when the time comes.
Why early matters
Speech and language skills are the foundation of learning, friendships, and confidence. The earlier a child gets the right support, the faster they build those foundations — and the easier their transition to mainstream school becomes. Families who wait usually tell us later they wish they hadn't.
How to start
- Call or WhatsApp 092 944 415, or use our contact form.
- Have a conversation about what you've noticed — in Khmer or English.
- Book a speech assessment — we'll tell you what it involves and how to prepare.
Costs depend on your child's individual plan, and session frequency is decided with you based on your child's needs — for many children that's two to three times a week. We'll talk through both openly in your first conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need speech therapy?
If your child has fewer words than expected for their age, unclear speech, or difficulty understanding and following directions, an assessment can give you a clear answer — and a plan either way.
What does a speech therapy session at Ascend look like?
Play-based for younger children, activity-based for older ones — targeting articulation, language comprehension, and social communication in ways children actually enjoy.
Does speech therapy work in both Khmer and English?
Yes. We support communication in the languages your child uses at home and at school, and we work with families in both Khmer and English.
Ready to start?
Call or WhatsApp 092 944 415, or use our contact form. We'll talk through your child's situation before anything else.
Ascend Special Education: where every child matters.