Small Steps Forward

Provides parents of children diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, autism and other forms of developmental delay with the information they require and a range of ideas to encourage their child's development. The text suggests games and activities using toys and materials which most children will already have, involving no special preparation. The author divides skills into five areas - social, physical, intellectual, emotional and linguistic - for convenient reference. She deals with general issues, such as behaviour management, toilet-training and sleep-management, which may be encountered by parents of children with any form of disability - physical, learning or sensory. She provides the outline of child development so that parents can place their child's progress. Advice on coping with the stress of having a child with special needs, and information on support parents can expect from health, education and social services is also given. The author includes a comprehensive resources section, which incorporates a bibliography and a list of useful addresses.