Following directions | ADHD Information

I have to write things down too, especially if there are multi-steps.  I also have to listen a few times to the directions. On top of it, I have a processing LD which involves how quickly my brain decodes information I hear. It has nothing to do with my actual hearing or intellect, just the speed the information is processed.  It's like having a supercomputer that has every program imaginable but has a faulty processer that is slow to receive and process the information.  Very frustrating sometimes when I have to ask someone to repeat something to me more then twice.  The funny thing is, I myself talk extremely fast.  My short focus doesn't help either with learning directions.  That only adds to the fun.  I remember once learning how to use a cash register.  I kept notes on everything and wound up doing better then I ever thought I would.  The girls I trained with laughed at me, but guess what?  When they had problems or things they didn't remember, they weren't laughing any more and they ran to me.
P.S. North, South, What??  I not only need written directions but a compass

 That is soooooo me.   I have to write them down, or I won't get there. And like Auntie say it in left and right, b/c I never have clue where north, south, west or east is. It drives dh insane.

Peita, you know so much about me, it feaky!!

I definitely suffered the inability to follow any directions longer than two steps pre medication.  I find now that I slow the process down and unless I am given the directions WAY too early (days, weeks) where I have a chance to get sidetracked I can follow fairly well.

I remember at office jobs where I was given a direction like "fill in this box, go over and make 2 copies, send the copies here and here, and make a list of who gets what" and I'd have to go back and say "what do I do after filling in the box?" - about 3 minutes after getting the directions.  A lot of raised eyeballs and sighs.

Now it's not so bad.  The scattered to the wind feeling is mostly gone and I simplify my own life.  I even get a few things on lists I make.  Not all but some.

Following what?If I am being given verbal directions, forget it.  If I write the directions down, I am sometimes able to follow them.  I also have difficulty reversing the directions when I am leaving the place where I have been.  I often turn the wrong way!

FOLLOWING directions is a nightmare,so i find it hard during my driving lessons,i forget what he tells me and keeps blanking him out.i haven't passed yet if you wonder

hope the meds will help

Do any of you have trouble following verbal directions?

I can get the first couple of direction but after that it sounds like the person is just saying BLAH BLAH BLAH, GOT IT?

Then I say.....um yep   Then go away having no friggin idea.

[QUOTE=Peita Pan]

Do any of you have trouble following verbal directions?

I can get the first couple of direction but after that it sounds like the person is just saying BLAH BLAH BLAH, GOT IT?

Then I say.....um yep   Then go away having no friggin idea.

[/QUOTE]

  Peita, You are talking about me exactly. I get the first left and the next right but I think I'm so busy trying to remember those two things the rest is a blur.  And don't tell me to turn north or south because I never have been able to tell which way I'm going when driving.  I too walk away with no idea.

BUT I've learned a trick. Drive those two directions you remember and then ask someone else. You'll get there eventually.  

Oh yes,

If someone gives me verbal driving directions, I'm lucky if I can remember two or three specific directions..after that it's BLAH BLAH BLAH...

Then I say.... "Yeah..Okay, thanks."

Gotta write it down!!  At my work...when I was working, all the teachers I helped knew that they had to write down anything that they wanted me to do...I mean everything!!

Auntie Wrote: "BUT I've learned a trick. Drive those two directions you remember and then ask someone else. You'll get there eventually."  

When I drove home from CA with my girls a few days ago we got off the freeway b/c we saw a sign for Subway.  After exiting there were no more signs and we didn't see it. 

I kid you not, I stopped three times to get directions to the darn place!!  And it took me 45 minutes to find it!!!

I was so darned determined!!