Intended for parents of developmentally disabled children, the handbook provides information on service needs and services available in Lake County, Illinois. Section I focuses on life course planning with sections of diagnosis and assessment, professionals involved with special education, education for the developmentally disabled, vocational services, and living environments. A second section discusses family support services in the following areas: health care, family counseling, recreation, community services, financial planning, and family planning. Section III, on consumer action, addresses parents and the needs of children at home, parents of children in programs, parents as members of parents' organizations, parents as planners of programs, and parents as legal and legislative forces. A final section describes the causes, identification, and treatment of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism; and considers a noncategorical definition of developmental disabilities. Also provided are a philosophy and history of developmental disabilities services, specifically in Lake County; and a directory of services for Lake County families. (SBH)