This handbook was written to share the feelings, experiences, and knowledge of parents of children with emotional disorders. The first chapter, "Feelings Come First," considers recognition of unusual behavior patterns underlying emotional disturbances and the difficulty of determining their causes, their impact on the family, and coping strategies. The second chapter, "Finding Some Help," briefly explains common models used to explain emotional disorders and common conditions, including pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. It also discusses specialists who provide diagnosis and treatment and services such as wraparound services, home intervention, school-based services, community-based outpatient and day treatment, residential treatment, and respite services. The final chapter, "Understanding the Law," reviews the meaning of some common labels applied to children with emotional disorders; explores federal statutory and case law relevant to special education services; and addresses school and treatment problems (such as drug and alcohol problems, eligibility for out-of-home care, how parents can lose custody, and financial help and services). At the end of each chapter, exercises review the information or share attitudes and ideas with others. A glossary of acronyms, laws and regulations, and terms is provided. An appendix lists organizational resources. (Individual chapters contain references.) (DB)