Why Do Children with ADHD-ODD Struggle with Following Multi-Step Instructions?

PostedSeptember 10, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Children with ADHD-ODD multi-step instructions following, often face significant challenges due to their condition. The combination of ADHD and ODD creates a unique set of difficulties that make it hard for children to process, focus on, and complete tasks that require multiple steps. Understanding these challenges can help parents and teachers implement strategies to improve task completion and reduce frustration for both the child and caregivers.

ADHD and Instruction Difficulties

ADHD behaviour is characterised by issues with attention, focus, and impulsivity. When encountered with instruction difficulties, children with ADHD often struggle to stay focused on each part of the task, becoming easily distracted or losing track of the steps. The inability to concentrate or follow through on multiple instructions can result in incomplete tasks and frustration, both for the child and the person giving the instructions.

ODD Defiance and Resistance

For children with ODD defiance, following multi-step instructions can feel like an unnecessary challenge or an imposition, leading to resistance and refusal. Defiant children often respond to authority figures by deliberately ignoring or rejecting instructions, especially when they feel controlled or frustrated.

Strategies for Improvement

To help children with ADHD-ODD multi-step instructions following issue, breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can improve focus and reduce resistance. Using visual reminders, offering choices, and providing positive reinforcement for completing steps can also encourage cooperation.

In conclusion, clear, concise instructions, along with regular check-ins, can further support task completion in children having issues with following multi-step instructions.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.