Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs

by Bruce L. Baker

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers. That's an important job—and this popular, highly respected guidebook makes it much easier. A trusted resource for thousands of families, this lively book gives parents of children from age 3 through young adulthood proven strategies for teaching children the life skills they'll need to live as independently as possible. Parents will start with a reader-friendly overview of the basics of teaching and then go deeper with a step-by-step guide to teaching seven different types of skills: get-ready, self-help, toilet training, play, self-care, home-care, and information gathering skills. In this fourth edition, they'll also find helpful updates and additions, such as


an expanded section on managing behavior problems, including guidance on identifying the problems, examining behavior, initiating a behavior management program, and encouraging alternative behaviors
a chapter on technology that reflects recent advances and shows how to benefit from using email, instant messaging, Internet communities, search engines, and software
a chapter on strengthening partnerships with other teachers in the child's life during IEP meetings, through classroom volunteer work, and in everyday communication with them
Based on years of work with parents and laced with humor, helpful illustrations, and vignettes, this is a must-have resource for families and all professionals who work with them.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Nonfiction, Disability, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

359 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1977

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book, hoping to get some good ideas on teaching my ADHD children some life skills that they have struggled to learn. I was very excited to see the section on managing problem behaviors because my youngest has had some serious behavioral issues in school.

I very much enjoyed the first two sections, which deal with teaching skills. A lot of the techniques make sense for special needs children and I began using them immediately. My kids actually enjoy when I take time to give them "lessons" and they learn quickly when I teach them the last step first. I was inclined to give a 5 star rating based on that.

Unfortunately, the section on behavior that I was so eager to read ended up being a complete disappointment. It seemed to me that from that point on, we were no longer talking about special needs children. The advice was no different from other parenting books I've read. Been there, tried that. Didn't work with my kids.

The section on computers is obviously out of date. The advice professionals give concerning children and media use has changed since this book was published. And it predates technology like smart phones and tablets.

While I did get some useful direction from this book, it certainly isn't the answer-to-all-your-questions resource that it claims to be.

[Flor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very clear, useful guide, with plenty of strategies to stimulate successful learning of, for example, self care or home care skills. Helpful to parents, educators or caretakers.

[Maribel AKA ShonQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend for Parents who have just recently received a diagnosis and are in need of resources that help you teach and guide your special child.

[Hanalei1208 Be · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers. That's an important job—and this popular, highly respected guidebook makes it much easier. A trusted resource for thousands of families, this lively book gives parents of children from age 3 through young adulthood proven strategies for teaching children the life skills they'll need to live as independently as possible. Parents will start with a reader-friendly overview of the basics of teaching and then go deeper with a step-by-step guide to teaching seven different types of skills: get-ready, self-help, toilet training, play, self-care, home-care, and information gathering skills. In this fourth edition, they'll also find helpful updates and additions, such as

an expanded section on managing behavior problems, including guidance on identifying the problems, examining behavior, initiating a behavior management program, and encouraging alternative behaviors
a chapter on technology that reflects recent advances and shows how to benefit from using email, instant messaging, Internet communities, search engines, and software
a chapter on strengthening partnerships with other teachers in the child's life during IEP meetings, through classroom volunteer work, and in everyday communication with them
Based on years of work with parents and laced with humor, helpful illustrations, and vignettes, this is a must-have resource for families and all professionals who work with them.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource in helping to break down skills into steps to teach to a child with Special Needs, including daily living skills, behavior problems and many others. I browsed through most of the book (particularly interested in the potty training section). But I think to get the most out of it, I would need to buy myself a copy to refer to for particular stages and issues as they arise. It was due back at the library, so I'm considering it "read" at this point. But it's definitely something I will want to revisit.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I marked this book as read because I have read most of the sections that apply to my son now, but honestly I think this is a book that I will always be reading. I can see myself using this as a reference book for years to come! While this book is geared towards children with special needs, I think these techniques work for all children. It really made me rethink the parenting tools and techniques I am already using. I think anyone with kids or who works with kids could benefit from this book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for breaking down everyday skills into teaching/learning segments.
Also discusses 'Act don't ReAct' behavior modification for parents and teachers.
End the teaching session with success
Reward good behavior openly
Failure encourages a ' Do Anything attitude...it is just easier that way.

[Mindy]

borrowing from collin's behavior therapists' agency to get collin potty-trained

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked to read this book years ago but as of now am doing most of what it says in there already. Seems very comprehensive and educational though.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to parents of kids with autism spectrum disorder or other special needs. It is really helpful, practical, and action-oriented!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to teach skills to a chilld with special needs