Once the skill is performed accurately and independently under one condition, are you arranging multiple opportunities for the student to practice the skill with different people, and in multiple settings?
It is not helpful if the student only follows instructions from one instructor. They must also be able to follow instructions from all instructors, supervisors, job coaches, and some co-workers. Generalized responding to different people is a huge challenge for some individuals. In such cases, the effort is to begin by targeting the student’s responses to very similar instructions delivered by two different people. Systematically increase the number of people issuing instructions to the student. As the student demonstrates success, the instructions become increasingly varied.
For many students, it will be crucial for all instructors who provide instructions to the student to provide them in the same format. For example, all instructors should provide the student with an example of what to do (i.e. a finished product) if the student responds successfully to this type of visual cue. As another example, if the student responds best to a list of instructions, it is important that all instructors work to provide instructions in this format.
Additionally, the student should be given opportunities to practice following instructions in multiple settings, including the setting in which they work.
For the student who seeks clarification of a verbal instruction or writes it down himself, materials should be organized so that the student can carry out the strategy used in practice and in more familiar settings. There may need to be a reminder card visible in all classes, in the work setting or in the volunteer position.
Are you arranging opportunities for the student to practice the skill in various tasks and with different materials?
Using the same visual system that the student has been taught, give them instructions to complete different tasks. Thus, they are learning to use the system of following instructions rather than learning the steps to complete a specific task. This is advantageous because once the system is learned, it can be used to complete other tasks. You are providing the student with a tool to be able to complete lots of tasks, not just the skills to complete one task. That being said, you must practice the system you are teaching the student with different tasks and materials. You may need to model the steps the first time in a new task, but the skill of being able to follow directions and ask for help when needed should be familiar and easy for the student to apply.
Have you adapted visual supports so that they can remain in the natural environments that this student encounters now, and in the future?
A visual list of instructions should be functional in the natural environment. This may entail putting the list on a clip board so that it is portable. Or, for an advanced student, this may entail them carrying around a pen and notepad, or a mobile device to write down/record instructions as they are given so that they can refer to them later.
Are you collecting data to make adjustments to your teaching and to ensure that the student is performing the skill across multiple conditions?