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:
Contact us today for more information or if you would like to schedule a consultation.
Did You Know?
A child who has trouble following directions may be misjudged by teachers and relatives who assume that he is uncooperative or unmotivated.