Verbal Directions - My ADD/ADHD Child Has Problems with Verbal Directions

By Stuart Ackerman  MSc.Ed.,B.A.

     Many ADD/ADHD children have difficulties with verbal directions and instructions.  Unfortunately, your child is constantly given verbal instructions by yourself and his teachers.  Ultimately, your child will have to learn to appropriately listen and respond to verbal questions and directions.

     If your child is having difficulty with verbal instructions, make sure that you help him practice at home by giving him one direction at a time.  If he is able to follow one direction at a time, increase the instructions to two directions.  Keep on increasing the number of directions until you feel your child is able to follow several instructions at a time.

     Make sure that your child is paying attention to you when you are giving verbal directions.  Your child should always maintain eye contact and give affirmative nods during your instructions.       Reinforce these responses so that it becomes habitual.

     After asking your child if he or she heard your instructions, ask your child to repeat the instructions back to you in order to confirm that he or she was listening.  Also, remind your child to ask for clarification if he or she didn’t completely understand your question or request.

     You can also play some fun games with your child in order to help him follow verbal instructions.  Simon says is perfect for  developing these skills.  Also, you can make your own game out of following directions.  Have your child challenge himself by trying to follow as many directions as he can at once.  For example, tell him to try to follow two directions (e.g. jump up and down then go up the stairs).  If he can follow two instructions successfully, have him try three, then four, and so on.

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