Occupational Therapy Phnom Penh: Building Daily Living Independence for Children

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapy programs focus on helping children gain independence in daily living skills — the everyday activities that allow them to care for themselves, participate in family life, and build confidence. Whether it’s getting dressed, feeding themselves, or managing personal hygiene, we support children in becoming more capable and self-reliant.

Why Daily Living Skills Matter

Daily living skills are essential for:

• Self-care – dressing, grooming, brushing teeth, and feeding

• Household participation – helping with chores, organizing belongings

• School success – managing school bags, lunchboxes, and materials

• Confidence – feeling proud of doing things independently

When children master these skills, they feel more in control and ready to face new challenges.

Signs a Child May Need Support with Independence

An occupational therapy assessment may be beneficial if your child:

• Struggles with dressing or fastening buttons and zippers

• Has difficulty using utensils or drinking from an open cup

• Avoids self-care tasks like brushing teeth or washing hands

• Relies heavily on adults for basic routines

• Has trouble organizing personal items or completing chores

What Independence-Focused OT Looks Like at OrbRom

We make learning life skills engaging and achievable. Activities may include:

• Dressing practice – using adaptive clothing tools, sequencing steps

• Feeding skills – practicing utensil use, cutting food safely

• Hygiene routines – handwashing, toothbrushing, hair care

• Organizational skills – packing school bags, sorting toys, managing a schedule

• Chore participation – simple household tasks to build responsibility

Our therapists break tasks into manageable steps and use repetition, visual cues, and positive reinforcement.

Specialized Support for Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Needs

Children with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays often face additional challenges in daily living skills. Our approach includes:

• Creating predictable, structured routines

• Using visual schedules to promote independence

• Offering sensory-friendly adaptations for self-care

• Collaborating with speech therapy for communication around daily tasks

How Parents Can Support Independence at Home

Parents can help by:

• Allowing extra time for children to complete tasks independently

• Providing step-by-step instructions with visuals

• Encouraging practice during natural routines

• Offering praise for effort, not just completion

What Progress Looks Like

With consistent therapy, families often notice:

• Children dressing and grooming themselves

• Better utensil use and mealtime independence

• Improved organization and time management

• Reduced reliance on parents for basic routines

• Increased self-confidence and pride in achievements

Give Your Child the Tools for Independence

If your child needs support in daily living skills, OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh offers occupational therapy designed to help them become more independent and confident.

👉 Book your occupational therapy session today.