NO WAITLIST · IN-HOME + VIRTUAL
Is it ADHD, or just toddler energy?
Dr. Luisa, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist (Colorado #3492), helps parents of toddlers and preschoolers with signs of ADHD through parent management training and PCIT skills, in-home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or virtually in 42 U.S. States, with no waitlist. She spent 12 years as Lead Psychologist with Kaiser Permanente Colorado's Developmental Pediatrics & Autism Team.
Not ready to call? Take Dr. Luisa's free screener (ADHD, under 6)
ON THIS PAGE
SIGNS BY AGE
What are the signs of ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers?
The most common signs of ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers are being constantly on the go, acting before thinking (running off, grabbing, hitting), and a much shorter attention span than other kids the same age. All young kids are active. With ADHD, the behavior is much stronger than in their peers, shows up at home AND preschool, lasts six months or more, and gets in the way of everyday life.
Around 2 years
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Climbs and runs nonstop, even after you redirect them
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No sense of danger: darts into parking lots or the street
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Can't stay with one toy or a short book like other 2-year-olds
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Lots of bumps and injuries from moving too fast
3 years
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Can't sit for a short story or snack time
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Grabs, pushes, or hits when excited or frustrated
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Can't wait for a turn at all
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Frequent calls to parents or sent home from preschool or daycare for behavior
4 to 5 years
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Struggles through circle time when most kids can sit
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Blurts out, interrupts, can't wait in line
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Doesn't seem to listen, even face to face
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Starts play or cleanup, then wanders off
Seeing several of these? Take Dr. Luisa's free toddler ADHD screener.
Normal toddler energy comes and goes with sleep, hunger, and new places. ADHD shows up most days, in more than one place.
At age 2, these are signs to watch, not a diagnosis. You can still get help with the behavior now.
ADHD OR SOMETHING ELSE?
Is it ADHD, autism, or something else?
Many things can look like ADHD in a young child: a speech or language delay, autism, poor sleep or snoring, hearing problems, anxiety, sensory differences, or stress and big changes at home. Some kids have ADHD and something else. A careful look at your child's history and behavior sorts out what's driving it, so you work on the right thing.
Common ADHD look-alikes
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Speech or language delay (frustration looks like defiance)
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Disrupted sleep: not enough sleep, disrupted sleep, or snoring
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Hearing or vision problems
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Anxiety or a stressful change at home
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Sensory differences
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Feeding challenges
When autism is part of the question
Some signs overlap, like trouble following directions or big reactions to change. Dr. Luisa evaluates ADHD and autism together, in person at her Steamboat Springs office. See the signs of autism in toddlers.
Ask your pediatrician about sleep, feeding, hearing, and vision. They're quick to check and easy to miss.
TOO YOUNG?
Can a 3-year-old have ADHD?
Yes, but a diagnosis this young is uncommon. Most children are diagnosed at age 4 or older, which is the age the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline starts at. Dr. Luisa diagnoses ADHD at 3 when the signs are clear and there's severe impulsivity that affects safety, or a strong family history, like a parent with ADHD. You don't need a diagnosis to start parent training.
Told to wait until 6?
Many parents hear that ADHD can't be diagnosed until school age. Guidelines support evaluating from age 4, and help for the behavior can start at 2. Waiting usually means a harder year at home and at preschool.
ADHD runs in families
ADHD is one of the most heritable conditions in psychiatry. Twin studies put its heritability at about 70 to 80%. If you or your partner has ADHD, tell Dr. Luisa. It matters for your child's evaluation and for the support that helps you as a parent.
WHAT HELPS FIRST
Parent training or medication: what helps a preschooler first?
For children under 6, parent training in behavior management comes first, along with support at preschool. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both recommend it before medication. Parents learn skills that cut down on meltdowns, hitting, and running off - usually over 8 to 20 weekly sessions.
AT HOME
Parent training
You learn what to praise, what to ignore, and how to give calm, consistent consequences. Dr. Luisa uses Parent Management Training with PCIT skills.
AT PRESCHOOL
Classroom support
Simple changes from teachers, like visual schedules, movement breaks, and the same cues you use at home.
IF NEEDED
Medication
A medical decision for your pediatrician, usually only if behavior support isn't enough. Dr. Luisa shares what she sees to help guide it.
“I collaborate with PCPs and pediatricians about a child's symptoms, behaviors, and diagnoses. My clinical expertise can help guide medical doctors in medication decisions.”
Dr. Luisa, PsyD
Have ADHD yourself? Many parents in parent training do. Dr. Luisa helps you build structure into your own days, so you can create structure for your kiddo, feel less overwhelmed, and show up for them in a good space.
PCIT
What is PCIT, and can it be done online?
PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) is coached parent training for kids ages 2 to 7. A therapist coaches you live while you play with your child: first connection and specific praise, then calm, consistent discipline. Dr. Luisa is trained in PCIT. She offers it in-home in Steamboat Springs, and online she coaches PCIT skills as part of parent training.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
In-home
Closest to standard PCIT. Dr. Luisa coaches you live with your child at home, where the behavior actually happens.
42 U.S. STATES
Virtual
Parent Management Training with PCIT skills by video. It isn't the clinic version with an earpiece and a one-way mirror, but you practice the same core skills each week.
12 TO 20 WEEKS
How long it takes
PCIT usually takes 12 to 20 weekly sessions, 14 to 16 on average. It depends on your starting skills, your time, and your other kids' needs.
GETTING EVALUATED
How do I get my preschooler evaluated for ADHD?
Start with Dr. Luisa's free ADHD screener. Your pediatrician can help too, using rating scales filled out by you and your child's teacher. If the screening isn't clear, a psychologist can do a more comprehensive evaluation. Free programs through your school district (ages 3 to 5) and Early Intervention (under 3) can start services too, but they don't give a medical diagnosis. Unsure where to start? You can book with Dr. Luisa; no referral needed.
USUALLY COVERED BY INSURANCE
Pediatrician
A first look, with parent and teacher rating scales. A good place to check sleep, hearing, and vision.
FREE · AGES 3 TO 5 · NOT A DIAGNOSIS
Child Find
Your school district's preschool evaluation decides if your child qualifies for school services.
FREE · UNDER 3 · NOT A DIAGNOSIS
Early Intervention
Your state's program for developmental delays. In Colorado, call Early Intervention Colorado at 833-733-3734.
PRIVATE PAY · AGES 4 TO 18
Complex ADHD evaluation with Dr. Luisa
For when screening isn't definitive. Looks at ADHD alongside autism, anxiety, OCD, and depression. ADHD-only evaluations can be virtual; when autism is part of the question, it's in person in Steamboat Springs.
HOW IT WORKS
What happens when you work with Dr. Luisa?
Care with Dr. Luisa is with her from start to finish. She starts with a free phone consult, then a 90-minute Initial Comprehensive Intake (in-home or virtual). From there, she builds a plan with parent training, PCIT skills, preschool support, an evaluation, or a mix.
1
Free phone consult
Share what you're seeing. Dr. Luisa tells you whether she's the right fit and what your care would cost.
2
90-minute Initial Comprehensive Intake
A deep dive into your child's story: birth, development, sleep, family history, preschool, and what a typical day looks like. In-home or virtual.
3
A plan with measurable goals
Clear goals for your child and your family, so you can see progress, not just hope things feel better.
4
Care starts
Weekly parent training or PCIT skills, help for your child's preschool, and testing or more interviews if they're needed.
SENT HOME AGAIN?
What if preschool keeps sending my child home?
Ask for a meeting with the teacher and director before it turns into a removal, and bring in expert help. Dr. Luisa works with preschools, daycares, and Child Find teams virtually in 42 U.S. States. She can advocate for the child, help teachers understand a child's specific behaviors, and teach skills to support the child; she can also join school meetings virtually. In Colorado, publicly funded preschools can suspend or expel young children only for serious safety reasons, and suspensions are limited to 3 days.
Questions to bring to the school meeting
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What happens right before the behavior?
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What supports have you tried, and for how long?
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Can we use the same cues at home and at school?
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Can we request a free Child Find evaluation (ages 3 to 5)?
COST
How much does it cost, and does insurance cover it?
Dr. Luisa is private pay. Your final cost depends on your family's needs, like parent training, PCIT, or an evaluation. The 90-minute Initial Comprehensive Intake costs $360 for virtual or $490 in-home in Steamboat. During the intake, Dr. Luisa gains a deep understanding of your family's specific needs and can give a more precise idea of total costs for the ADHD treatments. She accepts HSA and FSA and provides a superbill you can send to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement. She does not take Medicaid.
Free
Phone consult
Talk through your concerns and get the exact price for your family. No obligation.
Superbill
Insurance reimbursement
Send it to your insurer and ask about out-of-network coverage. Many insurers offer some reimbursement.
HSA & FSA
Accepted
Use your health savings or flexible spending account for sessions and evaluations.
No diagnosis needed to start. Because Dr. Luisa doesn't bill insurance directly, you can begin parent training without one.
On Medicaid? Need a free option? Child Find (ages 3 to 5) and Early Intervention (under 3) are free. They can start services, though they don't give a medical diagnosis.
WAIT & WHERE
Is there a wait, and where does Dr. Luisa see families?
Dr. Luisa has no waitlist for parent training or ADHD evaluations as of November 2026. She sees families in-home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and virtually in 42 U.S. States. Evaluations that include autism happen at her Steamboat Springs office.
Harmony at Home by Dr. Luisa
426 Oak St, Unit 1
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Free on-street parking
YOUR PSYCHOLOGIST
Who is Dr. Luisa?
Dr. Luisa, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist (Colorado #3492) who has worked with children and families since 2008. For 12 years she was Lead Psychologist in Kaiser Permanente's Developmental Pediatrics & Autism Department. She's trained in PCIT, uses behavioral and family approaches with young kids, and is a parent of two.
12 yrs
Lead Psychologist, Kaiser Permanente Developmental Pediatrics & Autism Department
2008
Working with children and families since her doctorate internship
100s
Tests and evaluations for ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and child development
EDUCATION
PsyD, Argosy University – Arizona School of Professional Psychology. Trained in PCIT and play therapy. CBT, DBT, ERP, and ACT.
TESTS FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS
ADHD Rating Scale-IV Preschool · WPPSI-IV · Vineland-3 · ADOS-2
What parents say
★★★★★
"She is extremely patient and detailed in her explanations and insight. I have learned so much through our experience with her. She is fantastic with children and makes testing enjoyable for the kids."
Sarah M., Google review
★★★★★
"As a pediatrician, I have really valued her expert advice and always felt confident referring my patients to her over the last several years!"
Kaitlin V., pediatrician, Google review
★★★★★
"She is gentle in her approach with children and so good at building them up to realize their potential to thrive. I love how she meets with all family members to support the family system."
Allison F., Google review
QUESTIONS
ADHD in young kids FAQ
Can a toddler have ADHD?
Signs can show by age 2 or 3, but most children are diagnosed at 4 or older. Dr. Luisa diagnoses ADHD at 3 only when the signs are clear and there's severe impulsivity that affects safety or a strong family history of ADHD.
Does my preschooler need ADHD medication?
Not as a first step. For kids under 6, parent training and preschool support come first. Your pediatrician decides on medication, and Dr. Luisa shares what she sees to help guide that decision.
Do we need a diagnosis to start parent training?
No. Parent training helps with hyperactive, impulsive, and defiant behavior whether or not your child has a diagnosis.
Can PCIT be done online?
Partly. Dr. Luisa coaches PCIT skills by video as part of parent training in 42 U.S. States.
How long does PCIT take?
Usually 12 to 20 weekly sessions, with 14 to 16 on average. It depends on your starting skills, your time, and other demands at home.
Can you evaluate for ADHD and autism together?
Yes, for ages 4 to 18. When autism is part of the question, the evaluation is in person in Steamboat Springs. ADHD-only evaluations can be virtual.
What happens after the free consult?
A 90-minute Initial Comprehensive Intake, in-home or virtual. Then care starts: parent training, PCIT skills, preschool support, or an evaluation.
Can Dr. Luisa work with my child's preschool?
Yes. She works with preschools, daycares, and Child Find teams virtually.
What if I have ADHD too?
That's common, since ADHD runs in families. Dr. Luisa helps parents build structure into their own days so they can create structure for their kids.
Does Dr. Luisa take insurance or Medicaid?
Dr. Luisa is private pay and doesn't bill insurance or take Medicaid. She gives you a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA are accepted.
What about older kids?
Dr. Luisa does complex ADHD evaluations through age 18, including for girls, whose struggles are often more internal. See child therapy with Dr. Luisa.
Give your kiddo with ADHD the skills to succeed
Book your free phone consult, or ask Dr. Luisa a question.
If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988.
Written by Dr. Luisa, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, Colorado #3492. Last reviewed 10/2026