Parents and carers of children with conditions such as autism, Down's Syndrome or other forms of developmental delay can do much to help encourage their child's development. Stepping Out provides parents and carers with practical advice, and fun games and activities to improve a child's skills in the six areas of development: cognitive; physical; sensory; language; social and emotional. The book also outlines the stages of child development so parents can place their child's progress in context. This book is particularly suitable for primary school children, exploring the standard stages of development in children aged 3 to 11.Sarah Newman tackles many general problems, such as sleep, behaviour and toilet training, which may be encountered by parents of children with any form of disability - physical, learning or sensory. Drawing on her own experience, the author offers advice for parents on coping with the stress of caring for a child with special needs and discusses issues associated with education. This illustrated book offers a wealth of information and imaginative ideas, with a comprehensive resources section.

After a degree in History at Oxford University, Sarah Newman worked for ten years as an administrator and fund-raiser in higher education. Her first child was diagnosed as developmentally delayed at the age of one, and as autistic at three. She has two other children and lives in the New Forest, UK. She is the author of Small Steps Forward, winner of the British Medical Association's Popular Medicine Book of the Year 2000, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Foreword. 1. Everyday Life. 2. What Everyone Needs to Know. 3. Cognitive Development. 4. Language Development. 5. Physical Development. 6. Sensory Development. 7. Social Development. 8. Emotional Development. 9. Additional Practical Advice. 10. Education. 11. Financial and Practical Support. 12. Resources. Index.