Perceptions of diagnostic terms were investigated in a study of 30 mothers of developmentally deviant preschoolers, 24 psychiatrists, 24 pediatricians, and 15 therapeutic nursery school educatirs. Statistical analysis of ranking by severity revealed little concordance between mothers and professionals and among the three groups of professionals. Results indicated that the mothers tended to discard or reinterpret diagnostic terms to permit themselves to maintain hope. Professional awareness of the potential for miscommunication with parents is urged.