Sensory Processing and Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh: Helping Children Regulate and Thrive

Some children seem to crave movement, others cover their ears at the sound of a fan. Many refuse certain clothing, dislike messy play, or become overwhelmed in crowded places. These behaviors often stem from sensory processing challenges, which affect how a child’s brain interprets and responds to sensory input like sound, touch, movement, or light.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our occupational therapists specialize in helping children with sensory processing difficulties. Through personalized, sensory-integrated therapy, we support regulation, focus, and comfort—so children can better participate in daily life at home, in school, and in the community.

What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is the way the brain receives and organizes input from the environment and the body. For most people, this happens automatically. But children with sensory processing difficulties may be over-sensitive (hypersensitive), under-sensitive (hyposensitive), or fluctuate between the two.

Signs of sensory challenges include:

• Avoiding loud sounds or bright lights

• Refusing certain textures (clothes, foods, grooming items)

• Seeking constant movement or crashing into things

• Trouble sitting still or focusing in class

• Meltdowns when transitioning between activities or environments

Occupational therapy helps children regulate their sensory systems, improving comfort, behavior, and ability to engage with others.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Sensory Needs
At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapists conduct detailed assessments to understand your child’s sensory profile. From there, we create a personalized sensory diet—a set of activities and tools used to help the child feel more balanced throughout the day.

Our therapy sessions include:

• Deep pressure activities (like weighted items or pushing/pulling tasks)

• Vestibular input (swings, rocking chairs, spinning for balance and movement)

• Tactile play (sand, slime, textured bins for safe exploration)

• Visual and auditory calming techniques

• Self-regulation coaching: helping children recognize when they need movement or calming input

We also incorporate tools from our Sensory Shop to reinforce regulation strategies between sessions.

Essential Sensory Tools We Use and Recommend
Many of the children we support benefit from sensory tools at school and home. These products are available at the OrbRom Sensory Shop:

• Sensory Rocking Chair: Provides soothing vestibular input to help calm and focus

• Weighted Sensory Blanket: Helps regulate sleep and reduce anxiety

• Noise Cancelling Headphones: Supports children with auditory sensitivities in school, restaurants, or noisy homes

• Sleep Sound Machine: Creates a relaxing bedtime environment to support restorative sleep

We guide families on when and how to use these tools effectively as part of a daily sensory routine.

Occupational Therapy for Sensory Regulation at School
Children with sensory issues often struggle in traditional classrooms. Occupational therapy at OrbRom includes school readiness and support strategies, such as:

• Helping teachers create calming corners or offer movement breaks

• Introducing visual schedules and first-then boards to reduce transitions anxiety

• Recommending fidget tools or alternative seating for children who struggle to sit still

• Coaching school staff on how to respond to sensory meltdowns without escalating stress

When needed, we also collaborate directly with teachers or learning support teams in Phnom Penh schools.

How to Know If Your Child Needs Sensory Integration Therapy
Consider occupational therapy if your child:

• Becomes easily overwhelmed in noisy, bright, or busy environments

• Seeks out movement constantly or avoids being touched

• Refuses clothes with certain textures or struggles with grooming

• Melts down during transitions or changes in routine

• Struggles to sit still or attend to tasks in class

• Avoids certain types of play or social interaction

A Developmental Assessment at OrbRom Center can help identify sensory processing patterns and guide a customized intervention plan.

Why Phnom Penh Families Choose OrbRom Center for Sensory Support
OrbRom Center offers one of Cambodia’s few sensory-integrated therapy environments. Our occupational therapy rooms are fully equipped with swings, crash mats, tactile bins, and calming tools. Families choose us because we provide:

• Internationally trained occupational therapists

• Child-centered, strengths-based intervention plans

• Khmer and English-speaking support

• Full access to therapeutic tools through our Sensory Shop

• Parent training and home carryover strategies

We help children not only cope with their environment—but enjoy and thrive in it.

Conclusion: Helping Children Feel Comfortable in Their World
Sensory processing difficulties can affect every part of a child’s day—from getting dressed to sitting in class. But with skilled occupational therapy and the right sensory supports, children in Phnom Penh can learn to regulate their responses, improve participation, and feel more at ease in their surroundings.

At OrbRom Center, we’re here to help your child build confidence, focus, and emotional balance. Explore our Occupational Therapy Services or contact us to schedule an assessment today.