Mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome1were surveyed on overall patterns of adjustment and on frequency of chronic sorrow and coping behaviors. Fathers overwhelmingly (83%) depicted their adjustment in terms of steady, gradual recovery, while the majority of mothers (68%) reported a peaks-and-valleys, periodic crises pattern;x2= 8.64, p < .01. Mothers also reported higher frequencies for chronic sorrow as well as for behaviors such as self-blame and expression of negative affect. Thus, mothers and fathers in the same family may experience distinct differences in adjustment and coping as parents of a handicapped child.