--- title: "Toddlers & Preschoolers, Ages 2–6 | Blue Sails Counseling" description: "You may be watching for words, worrying about a missed milestone, or getting hard calls from daycare. You do not need to have a diagnosis to ask what to." language: "en-US" canonical_url: "https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/toddlers-preschoolers/" source_url: "https://bluesailscounseling.com/clients/toddlers-preschoolers/" content_type: "text/markdown" --- Toddlers and preschoolers · Ages 2–6 # When everyday moments raise big questions You may be watching for words, worrying about a missed milestone, or getting hard calls from daycare. You do not need to have a diagnosis to ask what to do next. [Request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/)[Check your insurance](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insurance-billing/) Prefer to talk? Call [(410) 231-0488](tel:+14102310488) ## You know more than a checklist can show Maybe you remember concerns at 18–36 months and wonder whether you waited too long. Or your child talks at home but becomes quiet, overwhelmed or upset in a busy room. These moments can leave you tired and unsure. Your observations matter. Milestones can start a conversation; they cannot diagnose your child. - ### Words and connection Tell us how your child asks for help, plays and connects with others. Bring questions about speech delays to your pediatrician, including whether hearing or speech-language assessment is needed. - ### Sensory and daycare strain Loud rooms, new routines and transitions can be hard. Share what happens before distress, what helps your child settle, and what daycare has noticed. You do not have to explain it perfectly. ## Find a starting point for your family - ### Questions about development For parents noticing changes in communication, play or social connection. Ask about a full evaluation, including whether ADOS-2 is appropriate. [Explore autism evaluation](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/autism-services/) - ### Support during the preschool day For families exploring a structured autism day program. Discuss your child’s needs, schedule and program criteria with intake. [Explore the early-intervention autism program](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/autism-services/early-intervention-program/) - ### Starting school around age six Both life stages may feel familiar. Explore the children’s hub and ask intake which pathway fits your child’s needs and school setting. ## Match the concern to a service conversation You do not need to choose a treatment on your own. These routes explain clinical options; intake must confirm fit and availability. What you are noticing Service to explore What to ask Communication, play or developmental questions - [Autism evaluation](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/autism-services/) An ADOS-2 evaluation pathway assesses questions about autism. It is separate from ongoing day-program care. Daily support and preschool routines - [Early-intervention autism program](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/autism-services/) Explore the autism day program for ages 2–6. Ask about assessment, participation requirements and current options. Big feelings and family stress - [Play and expressive therapy](https://bluesailscounseling.com/services/outpatient-therapy/) Ask whether a developmentally appropriate therapy referral fits your child and family. ## Connect private care with Maryland support Maryland’s Infants and Toddlers Program serves eligible children from birth through age two. If your child is under three, contact your local program to ask about a referral. Planning for the move at three starts before that birthday. Eligible families may have a choice between preschool special education through an IEP and an extended IFSP. For a child age three or older, ask your local school system about preschool special education or Child Find. MITP is not a general program for everyone ages 2–6. Blue Sails is a separate care option; this page does not imply an MITP affiliation. Ask each team how records and goals can be shared with your permission. - [Maryland early intervention and transition information (opens in a new tab)](https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special-Education/MITP/index.aspx) ## Make room for the practical questions Between work, school, transport and forms, arranging care can feel like another job. Before you commit to a visit, ask intake to walk through the details with you. - ### Share the essentials Start with your contact details, your child’s age and the care you are asking about. Keep sensitive clinical information out of the initial request. Ask how to send records securely. - ### Check your specific plan Ask about the provider’s network status, deductible, copay or coinsurance, visit limits and separate testing or program costs. A benefits check is an estimate; the insurer decides claim payment. - ### Confirm referrals and visit logistics Ask whether your plan or service needs a referral or prior authorization and who handles it. Confirm current openings, location, visit format, caregiver attendance and how appointments fit school or daycare. [Request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/)[Check your insurance](https://bluesailscounseling.com/insurance-billing/) ## Questions from families like yours Do missed milestones mean my child has autism? No. A milestone checklist cannot diagnose autism or explain every speech, play or sensory concern. Share what you notice with your pediatrician and ask about developmental screening and any hearing or speech-language needs. A clinician can discuss whether a fuller evaluation is appropriate for your child. Is an ADOS-2 evaluation the same as the day program? No. Evaluation explores diagnostic questions using information from more than one source. ADOS-2 may be part of that process. The early-intervention autism program is an ongoing autism day-program pathway. Ask intake about separate assessments, age criteria, schedules and insurance requirements before choosing either route. Can MITP help my preschooler after age three? MITP’s initial pathway is for eligible children from birth through age two. At three, eligible families may choose an extended IFSP or preschool special education through an IEP. Ask your local program about your child’s transition and options. MITP does not automatically cover every child ages 2–6. What should I bring to intake? Bring your main questions, your child’s health and developmental history, prior evaluations, and daycare or preschool observations you want to share. An IFSP or IEP can add context. Ask how to send records securely, who should attend, and how communication or sensory needs can be supported. Can we ask for help before we have a diagnosis? Yes. You can ask intake about your concerns without choosing a diagnosis first. A specific service may require an assessment, referral or authorization. Check those requirements and your plan’s costs before scheduling. Current provider fit and openings also need to be confirmed for your child. ## Read at your own pace Explore these guides and bring your questions to the next conversation. - Noticing speech and developmental differences - Preparing for your child’s autism evaluation - Making daycare transitions less overwhelming - Moving from early intervention to preschool ## You can start with a question Tell intake your child’s age, what daily life has been like, and what you need help sorting out. Ask about fit, costs and next steps before you schedule. [Request an appointment](https://bluesailscounseling.com/client-intake/)[Call (410) 231-0488](tel:+14102310488) If you are in crisis, call 911, go to the nearest ER, or call or text 988.