Several authors have hypothesized that children with disabilities are at increased risk for physical abuse. Such a finding is consistent with current ecological models positing that certain child characteristics, such as behavior problems, in combination with other risk factors can lead to abuse. The paucity of research in this area makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, but the few studies conducted suggest that child characteristics play a minor role in the etiology of child abuse. Despite the lack of evidence indicating that children with disabilities are at significantly greater risk for abuse than their nondisabled peers, the presence of a disability raises unique issues in the identification, assessment, and treatment of special needs children. Features of theoretical models of child maltreatment are delineated, and issues associated with assessing and treating disabled children who have been abused are discussed. The focus is on training in parenting and child management skills, impulse and anger control, leisure skills, household organization, stress reduction, problem-solving, and developmental and behavioral strategies. 55 references and 3 tables