Numerous studies have shown a high incidence of abuse among disabled children. This has been attributed to child-produced stress associated with caregiving responsibilities, child behavior problems, and distorted parent-child feedback cycles. Not only can disability contribute to abuse, but abuse and neglect can result in noncongenital disabilities, particularly mental and developmental retardation. While it is difficult to disentangle the intellectual, psychological, and physical consequences of the abuse-disability relationship; it is clear that abuse further lowers the ability of disabled children to function. Disabled adults also are at risk of physical and sexual abuse by their spouses or caretakers because of their increased dependency and vulnerability. Abuse of elderly women with multiple physical and mental disabilities is known to be widespread. Disabled parents are at risk of abuse by their children as a result of a history of family violence, inadequate parenting, isolation, and stress (economic, social, and psychological). For disabled children, abuse prevention is similar to that for nondisabled children, particularly the provision of social supports and services. Sustained support from professionals and self-help groups is necessary to prevent abuse of disabled adults. 37 references.