This monograph aims to assist parents in dealing with behavior problems of children with disabilities. It begins with a case history of an 8-year-old girl with learning disabilities, emotional problems, and behavior problems and her parents' advocacy efforts to obtain an appropriate educational environment for her. Aversive interventions are described, and a rationale for using them is outlined. The concept of gentle teaching is proposed as an alternative to aversives, based on ignoring the disturbing behavior, redirecting the person into an acceptable behavior, and letting the person know how pleased the caregiver or parent is. The importance of understanding children's use of disruptive behaviors as a way of communicating is stressed. Three ways of responding to a problem behavior are discussed: crisis management, changing the environment, and positive programming or teaching. Practical suggestions are offered to assist parents and caregivers in responding to children when they are having behavior difficulties. The monograph concludes with a list of six references, a list of five additional resources, the position statements of the Autism Society of America and the American Association on Mental Deficiency on the use of aversives, and a resolution on intrusive interventions issued by The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps. (JDD)