Occupational Therapy for Toddlers: Building Strong Foundations Early in Phnom Penh

Toddlers are naturally curious, active, and eager to explore. But what happens when your child struggles with simple tasks like stacking blocks, holding a spoon, or calming down after a change in routine? These early delays can impact long-term development—and that’s where occupational therapy (OT) comes in.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we offer specialized OT services for toddlers to support motor skills, sensory development, emotional regulation, and independence—right from the start.

Why Occupational Therapy for Toddlers?

Many parents think OT is only for school-aged children, but early intervention is often the most effective. Toddler OT can address:

• Delayed fine and gross motor development

• Poor coordination and body awareness

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to textures, lights, sounds)

• Difficulty with play and social interaction

• Trouble with feeding, dressing, or transitions

Starting therapy early helps prevent future academic, behavioral, or social challenges.

Learn about our developmental assessments for early identification.

Signs Your Toddler May Benefit from OT

It’s not always easy to spot developmental delays. Here are some signs your toddler might need occupational therapy:

• Doesn’t point, stack, or use two-word phrases by age 2

• Struggles with walking, climbing, or using stairs

• Avoids messy play or panics over certain textures

• Constantly bumps into things or seeks extreme movement

• Difficulty using utensils, cups, or crayons

• Has frequent meltdowns or trouble calming down

Explore how our occupational therapy services can help.

What OT for Toddlers Looks Like

At OrbRom Center, OT for toddlers is play-based and developmentally appropriate. Each session is designed to be engaging, supportive, and tailored to your child’s unique needs.

A typical session may include:

• Gross motor activities like climbing, jumping, and balance

• Fine motor play such as puzzles, blocks, and stacking rings

• Sensory exploration with sand, water, and textures

• Imitation games to support social interaction

• Calming strategies and transitions practice

See how sensory play supports early learning.

Parent Involvement Is Key

Parents are part of every step of the process. Our therapists:

• Explain what skills are being targeted and why

• Offer activities to try at home

• Model calming techniques and daily routines

• Provide visual tools and sensory-friendly strategies

• Encourage confidence-building through small wins

We also help parents create consistent routines at home to reinforce learning.

Use our checklist for helping toddlers learn to change clothes.

Benefits of Starting OT Early

Early OT intervention helps toddlers:

• Reach key developmental milestones

• Communicate more effectively

• Develop problem-solving and attention skills

• Build emotional regulation and reduce tantrums

• Transition more smoothly into preschool

These improvements lead to greater confidence, independence, and readiness for the next stage of development.

Discover how our preschool programs support early growth.

Build a Strong Foundation Now

Your toddler’s early years are full of growth—and with the right support, every challenge can become a learning opportunity. If your child is showing signs of developmental delay, sensory issues, or difficulty with basic routines, don’t wait.

OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh offers experienced, caring occupational therapists who know how to help toddlers thrive.

Click here to learn more or book a toddler OT assessment.