It's complex. I do think that sometimes people want the label to excuse crappy parenting but they would be in the minority. I think what's important to ask is what would change if you got a dx/label? It's still going to leave you with the same child. Some things certainly need a dx for health reasons and to access funding, but for the majority of people I think it's helpful to see someone just so you get help in dealing with those slightly-left-of-normal issues. So for your friend with the night terror issue, where is the harm in seeking help for that? I imagine that it would be quite distressing to both parent and child and it doesn't mean that there is a problem that needs *therapy* but more that "I don't know how to help my child through this so I'm asking someone for some help". It's no different to reading a parenting book really.