Little research attention has been focused on maltreatment in handicapped populations, even though many handicapped children display characteristics (e.g., chronic and pervasive behavioral disturbances, decreased social initiations with caregivers) that are associated with high risk for assault and neglect in nonhandicapped children. Numerous investigations have found an overrepresentation of handicapped children in maltreated samples; results of more recent efforts reveal a high incidence of abuse and neglect in handicapped children, but a number of important issues warrant further empirical examination. Generalizations and interpretations of findings from previous research have also been obfuscated by methodological shortcomings. This paper discusses current and future research in the field. 4 footnotes, and 98 references. (Author abstract modified)