School-Based Challenges and How Occupational Therapy Can Help: A Phnom Penh Perspective

For many children, the classroom is filled with opportunity—but for others, it can be a source of frustration and overwhelm. Difficulty with writing, focus, organization, or sensory input can hold a child back from reaching their full potential. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children overcome these barriers so they can thrive at school.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy program supports school-aged children who struggle with the motor, sensory, and cognitive demands of academic life.

How Occupational Therapy Supports School Success

OT focuses on building the skills children need to participate fully in their educational environment. This includes:

• Fine motor skills for writing, drawing, and cutting

• Gross motor coordination for playground and PE participation

• Sensory regulation for focus and calm behavior

• Executive functioning for planning, organizing, and completing tasks

• Visual-motor integration for copying from the board or reading

Learn about our occupational therapy services.

Common Classroom Challenges OT Can Address

Children may not always be able to explain why school is hard for them, but signs include:

• Poor handwriting or avoidance of writing tasks

• Easily distracted or fidgety during lessons

• Struggles with organizing materials or finishing homework

• Difficulty sitting still or transitioning between tasks

• Sensitivity to noise, light, or movement

• Clumsiness or poor coordination during physical activities

These are not behavioral problems—they are skill gaps that OT can help fill.

Explore how to support children with executive functioning needs.

What Happens in School-Focused OT?

At OrbRom Center, our school-focused occupational therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s academic demands. Therapy activities include:

• Pencil grip training and handwriting exercises

• Scissor practice and cutting projects

• Strengthening posture and shoulder muscles for endurance

• Visual tracking and eye-hand coordination tasks

• Use of timers, schedules, and checklists for organization

• Sensory tools and breaks to improve focus

Discover how sensory tools like shape puzzles enhance attention.

Supporting Attention and Regulation

Many children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing difficulties struggle with self-regulation in the classroom. They may act impulsively, zone out, or become overwhelmed.

OT strategies that support regulation include:

• Visual timers to show how long tasks will last

• Movement breaks to release excess energy

• Noise-canceling headphones for sensitive students

• Deep pressure tools (e.g., weighted lap pads) for calming

• Structured routines to increase predictability

Learn more about distraction-free classroom strategies.

Collaboration with Teachers and Parents

We believe therapy works best when it extends beyond the clinic. That’s why OrbRom therapists:

• Share progress and strategies with teachers

• Provide tools that can be used in the classroom

• Teach parents how to support skills at home

• Recommend classroom accommodations when needed

This three-way partnership ensures skills are reinforced in all environments.

Check out tips for supporting students with dyslexia and motor issues.

School Readiness Starts Early

For preschool-aged children, OT builds the foundations of academic readiness:

• Sitting at a table

• Holding a crayon or pencil

• Listening and following instructions

• Completing tasks independently

If your child is approaching school age and struggling with basic routines, an OT assessment can help determine what support they need.

Learn more about our preschool readiness program.

Give Your Child the Tools to Succeed at School

Academic success isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about having the right tools and skills to meet daily expectations. If your child is struggling with handwriting, focus, or classroom routines, occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can help.

We’ll work with you and your child to create a plan that builds confidence, independence, and school participation.

Click here to get started with our occupational therapy services.