Twenty-four two-parent families of young multihandicapped children (ages 2-37 months) participated in a study comparing play behaviors of fathers and mothers, as well as the relationship to parental involvement in play of fathers' and mothers' perceptions of (1) the child, (2) the impact of the child on the family, and (3) perceived level of intimate emotional support provided by the spouse. High rates of dyadic play behaviors observed at home and lack of significant overall differences between parent groups supported the notion that fathers and mothers were equally competent in interacting with their children with special needs. Within-family trends suggested that mothers matched verbalizations and directives more nearly to child abilities and interests. Fathers showed higher frequencies of physical involvement in play, but handled children in a gentle style similar to that of mothers. Correlations of parental play and perceptions resulted in minimal associations for mothers, but moderate associations for fathers, perhaps reflecting fathers' more discretionary role in parenting. (JW)