Early childhood educators in regular and special education are taking a serious look at the identification of and intervention with children who are at risk for disabilities. Studies clearly show that abused and neglected children with disabilities are more likely to be environmentally at risk for further deficits in cognitive, personal-social, physical, speech and language, and self-help developmental areas. Studies also indicate that effects of child maltreatment can be prevented and treated through parent support groups, respite care, family and child education, Federal and State legislation, and public awareness. Current case studies, however, are inconclusive due to methodological problems associated with assessing the incidence of maltreatment for children with disabilities. Effects of maltreatment on the intellectual, language, motor, emotional, and social development of children are discussed, and the importance of treatment and prevention programs is examined. 36 references