Occupational Therapy for Autism in Phnom Penh: Supporting Daily Life, Learning, and Sensory Needs

Autism is a spectrum—and every child experiences it differently. While one child may be highly verbal but overwhelmed by crowds, another may struggle with coordination or self-care tasks. This is why occupational therapy (OT) is such a vital part of autism intervention. It adapts to each child’s unique profile, helping them function more confidently in daily life.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists specialize in working with children on the autism spectrum, offering sensory-informed, individualized care that supports independence, focus, and regulation.

What Does Occupational Therapy Address in Autism?

OT for autistic children focuses on functional skills that promote independence, learning, and social participation. These include:

• Fine motor coordination (writing, drawing, using tools)

• Gross motor control (balance, posture, core strength)

• Sensory processing (avoiding or seeking sounds, textures, movement)

• Emotional regulation (managing meltdowns, frustration)

• Daily living skills (dressing, eating, toileting, grooming)

Every therapy plan is adapted to the child’s cognitive level, learning style, and behavioral needs.

Also read: What Is Occupational Therapy?

Sensory Processing and Autism

Many children with autism struggle with sensory processing disorder (SPD). This means their brains interpret sensory input (like sound, touch, or motion) differently.

Signs of sensory issues include:

• Covering ears or avoiding noisy places

• Refusing certain clothing or food textures

• Constant spinning, jumping, or crashing into objects

• Avoiding swings or playground equipment

OT uses sensory integration therapy to help regulate these responses, allowing children to stay calm, focused, and comfortable in different environments.

Explore more: Sensory Room Support for Children

Real-Life Skills for Real-World Success

Children on the autism spectrum often need direct, repeated instruction in daily routines. OT teaches life skills like:

• Brushing teeth, using the toilet, dressing, and eating

• Following classroom routines and transitions

• Sitting still and maintaining attention

• Using tools like pencils, scissors, and zippers

These tasks are broken into small steps and practiced through visual supports, modeling, and repetition.

Learn about our tools: Change Clothes Checklist for Special Needs

Emotional and Behavioral Support

Meltdowns, shutdowns, and withdrawal can all be rooted in sensory dysregulation or motor planning difficulties. Occupational therapists teach:

• Calming strategies (breathing, deep pressure, sensory breaks)

• Emotional vocabulary and recognition (using visuals and storyboards)

• Coping mechanisms for overstimulation

• Routines to build predictability and reduce anxiety

This approach is especially powerful when combined with speech therapy to support both communication and behavior.

Collaboration With Families and Teachers

At OrbRom Center, we work as a team with:

• Parents, to create home carryover plans

• Teachers, to align classroom accommodations

• Speech and behavioral therapists, to provide comprehensive support

We also help families create sensory-friendly home routines and select tools from our sensory shop for everyday regulation.

Explore: Parenting a Child With Autism – Tips and Tools

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Autism OT?

Families in Phnom Penh choose OrbRom for:

• Certified pediatric OTs with autism experience

• Khmer-English bilingual therapy sessions

• Structured sensory rooms and motor skill equipment

• 1:1 therapy with personalized goals

• Developmental assessments and cross-disciplinary support

Whether your child is working on toileting, transitions, or emotional control, our therapists meet them at their level and help them grow.

Final Thoughts: Autism Therapy Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Occupational therapy for autism is about building skills, not changing who a child is. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we embrace neurodiversity and support children in developing the tools they need to participate in everyday life with confidence and comfort.

Begin autism-focused occupational therapy at OrbRom Center today