Perceptions of 152 sets of parents of handicapped young children were investigated. Interviews were conducted focusing on five aspects: initial notification that they had a handicapped child; parents' need for support; views on their guidance needs in helping children develop; and preferences for school settings for their children. Parents' responses to each topic are summarized and charted according to five variables: type of handicap, residence (Hamilton, Waikato, or Auckland, New Zealand), age of child, socioeconomic status, and family size. Among major findings were that over half the parents were told about their child's problem within the first week, mostly by obstetricians and pediatricians; parents expressed the greatest need for information; and parents clearly preferred integrated school placements. (CL)