Follow Steps
Make the next step visible, small, and doable.
Use This In The Moment
Type two tiny steps. Show less. Help them finish one.
Finish this one step
Why steps get hard
- too many words at once
- working memory gets overloaded
- the child cannot picture what comes next
- the routine feels too big
- they do not know what finished looks like
This is not laziness. The plan may need to move out of their brain and into something they can see.
The tiny routine
Then show the next step. Keep going one piece at a time.
Say this instead
✕ “You know what to do.”
☑ “This step first.”
✕ “I already told you.”
☑ “Look here.”
✕ “Do the whole thing.”
☑ “First this. Then this.”
✕ “Why are you not done?”
☑ “Show me finished.”
Parent card
When your child gets stuck, stop explaining the whole routine.
Show only the first step and the next step.
Point. Wait. Help start. Praise the step. Then fade your help.
Helpful Accessible Hive Tools
About Follow Steps for neurodivergent kids
Following steps can be hard when a child has difficulty with working memory, planning, attention, language processing, transitions, or regulation.
Showing the step visually helps reduce the amount they have to hold in their mind.
Evidence aligned supports used here
This page uses visual supports, task analysis, prompting, reinforcement, and simple routines.
Trusted resources:
NCAEP Evidence Based Practices
AFIRM Modules
CDC ADHD Behavior Therapy
What if my child still will not start?
Make the first step smaller. Instead of “get ready,” try “put one shoe on.”
Should I show the whole routine?
Some kids like seeing the whole routine. Some kids get overwhelmed. If they freeze, show only First and Then.
How do I fade help?
Start by modeling or pointing. Then use fewer words. Then only point. Then wait and let the child start with less support.
What should I praise?
Praise the exact action: “You put one shoe on.” “You checked the step.” “You came back to the routine.”