Listening/Following Directions

Recognize the Issue

When a child or adolescent cannot listen and follow directions as well as their peers, they are at risk for academic and emotional problems. Some children have trouble understanding what other people around them are saying. Children with listening problems may actually have trouble with:

Comprehending speech and language
Paying attention
Making sense of sounds
Filtering important sounds (like a mother’s voice) from all the other sounds around them

Children and adolescents with listening problems may have a ‘hidden’ disability. Unfortunately, children who have trouble focusing or understanding what they hear cannot follow directions. These children may find themselves getting in trouble for something they cannot control. Parents may also be given inaccurate labels for their child based on other people’s notions about what the problem is. It is critical for parents or individuals who recognize a problem to understand if there is a hidden disability.

Understand the Possible Causes

Support Services: What do you do?

Depending on the reasons why someone is having trouble listening and following directions, support may include assessment, psychotherapy or both. Your MindWell psychologist will help put you on the correct path by offering one or more of the following forms of support:


Phone: (703) 378-7998 14110 Robert Paris Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151