could my daughter have autism?

My daughter is 26 months old.  She hit all of her milestones until about the age of 18 months.  At her 2 year check up she had abouth 10 words, and 1 or 2 2 word sentences.  She seemed to have gone through a very stagnet period 18mo-25 months in regard to her speech , untill recently when whe started saying a few new words every day, and putting together more 2 - 3 word sentences.  My daughter has also had 2 sets of ear tubes placed in the past 16 months.  Although she seems to be improving in her speech, she just had an early intervention screening done last week, and they felt like she was also delayed.  The only things that she does not do at her age level are walk up steps 1 foot alternating, and repeating circles and lines when asked to when coloring.  ( although she holds her  pencil perfectly like a school age child)  She is my adventurious child, alsways climbing on chairs, exploring her environment.  She just seems more like a baby than my son did at this age.  She makes great eye contact, is very affectionate, and enjoys playing with her 4 year old brother.

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Autism is characterized by delays in language and social development as well as the presence of repetitive behavior (e.g., repetitive motor movements, rituals). Therefore, your description of your daughter does not sound consistent with a diagnosis of autism. It is great that you have received an early intervention screening. As you know, It is vitally important to intervene early with all developmental delays. Continue to share your concerns about her development with your pediatrician and her early intervention team and to advocate for appropriate services.