LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION

Language is essential for expressing oneself, communicating needs, asking questions, and interacting with others. It is equally important to listen, understand one another, and adapt language to different situations.

Some of the children at the Stepbridge Center are non-verbal or experience speech delays or speech disorders. Each child develops communication skills at their own pace. Some gradually acquire spoken language, while others begin to speak more confidently over time. Some children do not speak but understand well and communicate using picture communication books. Others use gestures, movement, and pointing to express their needs and wishes.

At Stepbridge Center, we support language development through playful and meaningful interactions. We introduce communication using songs, play, and language-based games. We also offer weekly Khmer and English language sessions, either in small groups or through individual support.

We work closely with parents and guide them on how to support their child’s language development at home. We encourage interaction without pressure: children are not forced to speak or repeat words. Instead, we promote clear and adapted language, short but complete sentences, and communication during everyday activities and play. Reading short stories, asking simple questions, and giving the child enough time to respond—verbally or by pointing to pictures—are key parts of this approach.