Ep 229: The Benefits—and Risks—of Labels in Kids, with Pediatrician William Wilkoff MD

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Why do parents feel so relieved when their child gets a diagnosis?

And when can that same label do more harm than good?

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with pediatrician Dr. William Wilkoff, who has spent decades caring for children in Maine and writing for both parents and physicians.

Dr. Wilkoff introduces a powerful idea he calls the “Rumpelstiltskin effect”—the relief that comes from simply naming a condition. But as he explains, that relief can come with trade-offs.

Together, they discuss:

• Why diagnoses can reduce anxiety for families
• The risks of overdiagnosis—and getting it wrong
• How labels can shape a child’s identity
• The rise in ADHD and autism diagnoses
• Why modern parenting feels more anxious than ever
• And why something as simple as sleep may be one of the most powerful tools we have

This is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about how to support kids—without letting a diagnosis define them.

Dr. William Wilkoff is a pediatrician who practiced for decades in Maine, caring for children in a rural and suburban community since the 1970s. Over the course of his career, Dr. Wilkoff is also the author of several parenting books, including How to Say No to Your Toddler, The Maternity Leave Breastfeeding Plan, and a guide on managing picky eating, all aimed at helping families navigate everyday challenges with more confidence. He has also spent more than 30 years writing a monthly column for pediatric publications, sharing practical, thoughtful insights on child health and parenting.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...