Sliding into Development: How Occupational Therapy Uses Slides to Support Early Childhood Growth in Phnom Penh

To a child, a slide is a source of fun. To an occupational therapist, it’s a tool that strengthens muscles, regulates the sensory system, and builds foundational developmental skills. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we incorporate purposeful gross motor activities like sliding into our therapy sessions for toddlers and young children—especially those with sensory challenges, delays, or coordination issues.

Sliding may seem like a simple action, but it offers critical input to a child’s brain and body that supports their growth across multiple areas.

Why Sliding Supports Development

Sliding involves more than going from top to bottom. It helps:

• Strengthen core muscles (essential for sitting, balance, and posture)

• Activate vestibular input (helps the brain process movement and balance)

• Improve motor planning and sequencing

• Encourage bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body)

• Promote sensory regulation and calming through deep pressure

Children who engage in regular sliding—especially in an intentional, therapeutic setting—tend to improve in both physical ability and emotional regulation.

How Occupational Therapy Uses Slides at OrbRom

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our therapists design fun, movement-based sessions that include:

• Sliding in different positions (on stomach, back, feet first)

• Climbing up for input and strength

• Integrating language and turn-taking into play

• Pairing slides with obstacle courses to enhance coordination

These activities are not just enjoyable—they’re tailored to support individual goals like body awareness, confidence, and developmental milestones.

Perfect for Toddlers and Children with Sensory Needs

Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, or low muscle tone often benefit from vestibular and proprioceptive input—both of which are provided by slides. These inputs help calm overstimulated systems or awaken under-responsive ones.

We also train parents to carry over activities at home or at local playgrounds, ensuring consistency between therapy and real-world experience.

Give Your Child the Benefits of Therapeutic Movement

If your toddler struggles with balance, body awareness, or physical development milestones, sliding and other gross motor activities might be the key to progress. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we make therapy fun, effective, and child-centered—turning simple play into profound growth.

Learn more about our occupational therapy services today.