Described in 13 case studies of deaf blind (as a result of rubella) children are medical, economical, emotional, and professional factors that add to stresses of parents. Medical factors are examined in relation to frequent hospitalization of the rubella children before 18 months of age. One of the case studies shows how young adult parents were so traumatized by their infant's hospitalizations (69 days) that they were unable to use medical or educational assistance for 7 years. Economic factors are said to involve expenses for many specialists: cited is the case of a 4-year old child whose parents worked to meet surgery expenses and were denied public assistance because their combined income was above the poverty line. Emotional factors are described to include initial shock of parents on learning their child is defective and subsequent behavior, such as withdrawal and resentment, which complicates the child's need for a close relationship. A further stress is attributed to the lack of affectionate behavior, typical of deaf blind children. Illustrative of additional stresses on parents is the screaming, flooping, or seizure-like behavior of a 2-year-old who later, at 4 years of age, showed some affection for her grandfather but none for her mother. Professional factors are described in a case study showing the dilemma of parents who attempt to follow conflicting professional advice. Professionals are advised to be sensitive to perceptual differences and to work out a plan of action toward mutual goals to help families with handicapped children. (MC)