Following instructions requires a complex chain of neurological events: auditory processing, working memory, and receptive language comprehension. When a child “ignores” a command, it’s often a breakdown in this chain. In our speech therapy sessions, we work on “auditory memory chunks”—helping the child hold more information in their mind long enough to act on it. This is vital for the multilingual, fast-paced environments of Dubai, where instructions are often complex and delivered quickly.
We also focus on linguistic markers—words like “before,” “after,” or “first/then.” If a child doesn’t neurologically “map” the concept of time and sequence, a multi-step instruction like “Put your bag in the cubby and then sit on the rug” sounds like a jumble of words. By strengthening the temporal lobe’s processing power, we help children in Al Nahda and Sharjah become more independent at home and in school.
The “Master Chef” Game
While preparing a meal at home, give your child “secret missions” with increasing complexity: “First, get a spoon, then bring me a napkin, and finally, sit down.” This builds sequential processing in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Specialist FAQ
- Is it a hearing problem or a listening problem? We always recommend an audiology check first, but usually, if they hear a “whisper of a chocolate bar” from across the room, it’s an auditory processing or language issue.
- How many steps should a 5-year-old follow? Generally, a 5-year-old should be able to follow 3-step related instructions.
- Does the language we speak at home matter? We support bilingual families across Dubai; the foundational “skill” of processing instructions transfers across languages.
Improve your child’s ability to listen, understand, and act. Reach out to the speech team at Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai at 0507548629 today.
