Sensory Integration Therapy in Phnom Penh: How Occupational Therapy Helps Children Regulate and Thrive

Does your child cover their ears at loud sounds, avoid certain textures, or seem constantly overwhelmed—or underwhelmed—by their surroundings? These behaviors may be signs of sensory processing difficulties. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide sensory integration therapy as part of our pediatric occupational therapy services, helping children regulate their sensory systems and participate fully in everyday life.

Sensory integration therapy supports children who process the world differently—those who may appear overly sensitive, constantly moving, or out of sync with their environment.

What Is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to receive, process, and respond appropriately to sensory information. This includes input from:

• Touch (tactile)

• Sound (auditory)

• Movement (vestibular)

• Body position (proprioception)

• Sight and smell

When this system is out of balance, children may overreact (sensory defensiveness), underreact (sensory-seeking), or display inconsistent responses.

Learn more: What Is Occupational Therapy?

Common Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges

Children with sensory issues may:

• Cover ears, squint, or avoid crowds

• Refuse certain clothing, food textures, or grooming routines

• Seek constant movement, spinning, or crashing into things

• Struggle with focus, impulse control, or transitions

• Have meltdowns in bright, noisy, or new environments

• Avoid playground equipment or messy play

These difficulties can make school, mealtime, and social experiences overwhelming. That’s why early OT intervention can make a lasting difference.

Also explore: Cocoon Swings and Sensory Tools

How Sensory Integration Therapy Works at OrbRom Center

At OrbRom, our occupational therapists conduct a thorough sensory profile assessment to understand your child’s unique sensory preferences. Based on those results, we create a customized sensory diet—a plan of daily activities that regulate your child’s sensory system.

Our therapy sessions may include:

• Swinging, bouncing, or balancing to improve vestibular input

• Heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, or jumping

• Textured toys and messy play to desensitize touch sensitivities

• Deep pressure or compression tools to calm the nervous system

• Use of weighted items, noise-canceling headphones, and visual supports

These tools and activities are designed to improve attention, coordination, self-regulation, and behavior.

Learn more: Sensory Diets and Regulation Techniques

Why Sensory Integration Matters for Learning and Behavior

When a child’s nervous system is dysregulated, they may appear defiant, distracted, or anxious—but these behaviors are often rooted in sensory overwhelm. By regulating the sensory system, we help children:

• Participate in classroom learning

• Tolerate different environments (e.g., markets, malls, school events)

• Develop emotional control

• Improve sleep, feeding, and focus

Sensory integration lays the foundation for all other learning.

Also read: Emotional Disturbance or Sensory Overload?

Parent Coaching and Home Support

At OrbRom, we work closely with parents to extend therapy into the home. We teach you:

• How to use calming tools (e.g., chew necklaces, vibration pillows)

• What to do during a sensory meltdown

• How to create daily routines that reduce overstimulation

• What kind of environment helps your child thrive

Visit: Sensory Shop for Home Tools

Why Choose OrbRom Center for Sensory Therapy?

OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh offers:

• Licensed occupational therapists trained in sensory integration

• Fully equipped sensory room for regulation and play

• Coordination with speech therapy for children with dual needs

• Khmer-English bilingual support

• Individualized therapy and sensory diet planning

We don’t just help children tolerate their environment—we help them thrive in it.

Final Thoughts: Supporting the Whole Child Through Sensory Integration

Sensory challenges affect how a child eats, plays, learns, and relates to others. With sensory integration therapy, we help children build calm, confidence, and control. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our OT team empowers children and families to understand their unique sensory needs—and use them as strengths.

Start sensory therapy with OrbRom Center today