Developed as part of Delta College's Parent Awareness Program, this manual offers parents and family members of handicapped children explanations of the following conditions: mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning disabilities, and autism. In the first section, "Special Parenting Information," Gerri Caesar describes her own feelings as the parent of a handicapped child and those feelings which other parents have expressed to her as a professional. The reactions of denial, anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger, are discussed, and ways of dealing with these feelings are suggested. Next, the manual provides information on the definition, prevalence, and causes of mental retardation; and presents material on Rh blood factor, rubella, phenylketonuria, fetal alcohol syndrome, spina bifida, and Down's Syndrome. The next section offers information on cerebral palsy and other physical or neurological impairments, including material on symptoms, diagnosis, types, causes, and treatment. The section following explores various aspects of epilepsy, including seizure types and occurrences, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Learning disabilities are examined next, with explanations of their types and causes, and the environmental, psychological, and physiological factors associated with the condition. The final section defines autism and discusses its causes, prevalence, and treatment. Each section provides a list of references. (EJV)