Outdoor Play and Emotional Regulation: How Occupational Therapy Supports Young Children

In Phnom Penh’s busy urban environment, structured outdoor play isn’t just a break from learning—it’s a crucial part of emotional and sensory development for young children. For children with sensory processing challenges, autism, or ADHD, outdoor play supported by occupational therapy can be the key to emotional regulation and readiness for learning. At OrbRom Center, we integrate these opportunities into our preschool program to ensure holistic development.

Emotional Regulation Through Movement

Many young children struggle to manage emotions such as frustration, excitement, or anxiety. These challenges are even more common in children with special needs. Occupational therapy helps children learn to regulate these emotions through structured activities that provide the right type of sensory input—like sliding, climbing, and swinging.

Outdoor play provides what therapists call “vestibular and proprioceptive input”—the kinds of movement and body awareness that help children calm their nervous systems. A child sliding down a playground slide, for example, is not just having fun—they are engaging in an activity that supports self-regulation, balance, and coordination.

How Occupational Therapy Integrates with Play

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists design individualized play-based interventions for children who need extra support with emotional or sensory challenges. Whether a child is overly sensitive to noise, constantly in motion, or has trouble transitioning between activities, our team creates strategies that fit naturally into preschool routines.

For example:

• A child who feels anxious might benefit from heavy work play like climbing or pushing, which has a calming effect.

• A child who struggles with focus may engage in obstacle courses that require sequencing and attention.

• A child who is hypersensitive to touch may slowly build tolerance through sensory play with different surfaces.

These activities are fun, but they’re also intentional and therapeutic.

Why It Matters in Phnom Penh’s Preschool Settings

Parents in Phnom Penh are increasingly aware of the importance of early childhood development. However, many are still unaware of how occupational therapy can fit into daily preschool activities. At OrbRom Center, we bridge that gap by offering a preschool program that includes therapy as a natural part of learning and play.

We believe every child should have access to the tools that help them thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

If your child shows signs of sensory sensitivities, frequent meltdowns, or difficulty adjusting to change, consider an early intervention program that includes occupational therapy. The earlier we support emotional regulation, the more confident and resilient your child becomes in school and beyond.

Learn more about our integrated approach to therapy and play:
👉 Occupational Therapy Services at OrbRom Center