Why Following Directions Can Be Difficult for Some Children
Parents often say things like:
“I’ve asked him three times.”
“She hears me, but she doesn’t do what I ask.”
“He can follow directions sometimes, but other times it’s like he isn’t listening at all.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Difficulty following directions isn’t always a behavior problem. In many cases, it can be related to underlying developmental skills that affect how children process information.
At BK Kids Pediatric Therapy, we frequently work with children who have difficulty following one-step, two-step, and multi-step directions.
Following Directions Requires More Skills Than Most People Realize
When an adult says, “Put your shoes on, grab your backpack, and meet me at the door,” a child must:
- Listen to the information
- Understand the language
- Remember multiple steps
- Organize the sequence
- Ignore distractions
- Transition between activities
- Complete the task
That’s a lot of work for a developing brain.
Speech and Language Can Affect Following Directions
Children who struggle with receptive language may have difficulty understanding what they’re being asked to do.
They may struggle with:
- Understanding vocabulary
- Processing longer sentences
- Following multi-step directions
- Understanding concepts such as before, after, first, and next
- Remembering verbal information
Speech Therapy can help children strengthen receptive language skills while developing strategies for processing and understanding information more effectively.
Attention and Executive Functioning Play an Important Role
Following directions also depends on executive functioning skills.
Executive functioning includes:
- Working memory
- Attention
- Organization
- Planning
- Task initiation
- Self-monitoring
Children who struggle with executive functioning may understand directions perfectly but have difficulty organizing themselves to complete the task.
Sensory Processing Can Also Affect Listening
Children who are overwhelmed by sensory information may have difficulty focusing on verbal instructions.
Some children constantly seek movement, while others become distracted by sounds, textures, or visual input.
When a child’s sensory system isn’t regulated, following directions becomes much more challenging.
Strategies Parents Can Try at Home
Try these simple strategies:
✅ Give one direction at a time.
✅ Make eye contact before speaking.
✅ Keep instructions short and simple.
✅ Use visual supports.
✅ Break larger tasks into smaller steps.
✅ Reduce distractions whenever possible.
When Should Parents Consider an Evaluation?
You may want to consider an Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy evaluation if your child:
- Frequently forgets directions
- Becomes overwhelmed during routines
- Has difficulty completing tasks independently
- Struggles with transitions
- Has trouble staying focused
- Becomes frustrated when asked to complete multiple steps
Early intervention can help children build the skills needed for greater independence and confidence.
At BK Kids Pediatric Therapy, our Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists use individualized, play-based therapy to help children succeed at home, at school, and in their community.
We proudly serve families throughout Joliet, Plainfield, Shorewood, New Lenox, Lockport, Romeoville, Channahon, Minooka, Morris, Bolingbrook, and surrounding communities.
Contact BK Kids Pediatric Therapy today to learn more or schedule an evaluation.