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Signs your child has speech delay and what to do

If you’re searching for speech delay help in Phnom Penh or wondering why your kids aren’t talking yet, you’re in the right place. Many parents in Cambodia notice their child is quiet compared to others and start googling “signs my child has speech delay”. Here is exactly what to look for and simple steps you can take today.

Common Signs of Speech Delay (By Age)

• 12–18 months: Says fewer than 10 words, doesn’t point to objects, or doesn’t respond to their name  
• 2 years old: Uses fewer than 50 words, can’t combine two words “want milk”, hard for family to understand  
• 3 years old: Vocabulary under 200 words, strangers can’t understand most of what they say  
• 4 years and older: Still unclear speech, avoids talking, gets very frustrated when not understood  

If several of these match your child, early help from a speech therapist in Phnom Penh can change everything.

What Causes Speech Delay?

• Hearing problems (very common after repeated ear infections)  
• Bilingual home (Khmer + English can slow things down at first)  
• Autism or developmental delay  
• Limited talking and playing time at home  
• Too much screen time  

7 Things You Can Start Today at Home

1. Talk to your child all day – describe what you’re doing in simple Khmer or English  

2. Read picture books together every night (even 5–10 minutes helps)  

3. Sing songs and nursery rhymes – rhythm builds speech  

4. Turn off TV/tablet and play face-to-face games  

5. Repeat and expand what they say: Child: “car” → You: “Yes, red car go fast!”  

6. Ask choice questions: “Do you want apple or banana?”  

7. Reduce pressure – never scold for wrong words  

Don’t wait and wonder – the earlier you start speech therapy in Phnom Penh, the faster your child will find their voice.

Contact Us – 070 288 988
Telegram: https://t.me/MLPSPEDSchool