Abstract: The special nutritional needs of developmentally disabled children are addressed in a reference for professionals working with handicapped youngsters. The relationship of nutritional factors to treatment strategies for these disabilities is explored in view of the importance of nutrition to the child's growth and development. Section I discusses nutritional problems in specific developmental disabilities, including Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, minimal brain dysfunction, autism, etc., and suggests clinical techniques for nutritional diagnosis and treatment. Section II describes hereditary metabolic diseases, their nutritional implications and dietary management. Section III reviews nutrient deficiencies associated with physical or mental retardation, emphasizing growth deviations in the malnourished child. Section IV considers preventive nutrition, high risk factors in pregnancy and infancy, and nutritional assessment for early diagnosis and nutritional intervention.