Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the cognition about rehabilitation among parents having retarded children aged 0～6 in Beijing. Methods237 retarded children diagnosed in Disabilities Sampling among 0～6 Years Children in Beijing in 2004 were followed up 3 years later, and their parents were investigated with questionnaire about their rehabilitation knowledge. Results25.99% of these children had received rehabilitation services in the 3 years at least once, and was higher in city than in country. 38.39% and 16.52% of their parents knew their children need early rehabilitation and family training. ConclusionIt is necessary to communicate the knowledge of rehabilitation to the parents of retarded children.

Key words: mental retardation, children, parents, rehabilitation