This qualitative study used questionnaires, interviews, and observations to assess what having children with disabilities means to three families. The disabilities include severe mental retardation and seizure disorder, Down syndrome, and neurofibromatosis. Interview data were categorized into the following five areas: the children, stress/anxiety, services, personal comments, and survival strategies. Data from MAPS (McGill Action Planning System) planning sessions with the three families are also provided. Results indicate that these families of disabled children do all the things that families ordinarily do to help their children grow and develop, but they do these things more intensely and for a longer period of time. Of particular note for these families was the intensity of the illness(es) of their children and the level and intensity of family interactions with health care professionals. Each family had many interactions, as well, with several other service delivery agencies. While many professionals provided positive, appropriate, and responsive service, each family also experienced very negative non-service from some professionals. Recommendations are offered concerning attitudes, policies, and service provision. Appendices contain interview questions, interview data, questionnaires, and tables of questionnaire data. (Contains 17 references and a bibliography of 39 items.) (JDD)