This comprehensive literature review deals with these topics: fetal alcohol syndrome, medical illnesses, abuse & neglect, neurosensory disorders/developmental disabilities, handicapping conditions, school-related problems, foster care/adoption, self-concept/identity, conduct disorders/delinquency, drug & alcohol abuse, suicide & depression. Native American children & adolescents are studied; gaps in past & current research are identified & recommendations for future research are made. 179 refs