This report describes a qualitative study of the experiences and perceptions of parents of children with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) and summarizes the experiences of several parents during the first year following their child's traumatic brain injury. Twenty-five parents participated in a day-long focus group, in lengthy structured interviews, or in a stress management class. All of the children or young adults with ABI required intensive educational support services. Children's ages ranged from 3 to 40 at the time of data collection. A "meta-theme" arising from the parent groups and interviews was that the human tragedy of the permanent damage of a child takes place in the context of social institutions that are only minimally cognizant of the social and emotional impacts of the trauma on the family. Narrative and quotes are used to report parents' reactions concerning: (1) the time of the accident; (2) the coma experience; (3) efforts to maintain their relationship with the comatose child; (4) the rehabilitation phase; (5) coping with personality changes and behavior problems; (6) social isolation due to being away from school for extended periods of time and due to being placed in special education programs; (7) concerns about siblings; (8) financial worries; (9) helpful formal and informal supports; and (10) parental commitment and coping. (DB)