Records (1972-1982) showing documentation of abuse or neglect in 95 developmentally disabled children were examined. Information was gathered on the children's functioning level, family income, involvement of communiy services, sibling abuse, and family's general lifestyle. Results indicated that in almost every case, the families experienced serious, multiple problems, and that none was really aware of the abuse or neglect. The relationship between disability in the child and the abuse/neglect was believed to be minimal. Fragmentation of services and inability of the community to assign responsibility to one agency for coordination of services were considered major problems. (Author/CL)