This book describes the experiences of twenty families who have, living at home, a teenager or young adult with severe learning difficulties who has been classified by professionals as 'severely' or 'profoundly' mentally handicapped, and who also has 'serious behavioural problems'. It documents the lives of these families, and the major, uphill struggle they have to keep their children at home, often with little or no support from the health and social services. Short-term respite care, considered by parents to be the most vital service, is provided in residential units which fall far short of any ideal level of care.