Handling Preschooler's Inability to Follow Directions

Recently, a mother sought advice about her preschooler's inability to follow directions at school. Your suggestions were good for things she can do at home to help the child. However, when preschoolers consistently need additional directions, this frequently represents more serious problems.
The child should have a thorough preschool screening by a qualified screener, including a hearing test. He might just be a little immature or preoccupied, or more interested in what he's doing than in what the teacher wants. If this is enough of a concern for the teacher to comment on, it could be more serious, and he might have a hearing impairment or another issue, which could make him eligible for early childhood special education. - Early Childhood Expert
Answer: We should have mentioned the possibility of investigating for a serious cause for these problems. Early intervention can prevent larger problems later on.