diagnosis of autism

my cousin is 24 months old. As yet she is not able to walk but able to stand aided.she has repeatative actions like rubbing her face.Does not respond to her name and has little social interaction.Has no fear of strangers and she will often look to the ceiling and start rolling her eyes.As yet her investigations including her brain MRI proved tobe normal.thank you

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Early intervention is important for all forms of developmental delay. So, it is important for your cousin to have a developmental assessment done as soon as possible, if she has not been evaluated already. Autism is diagnosed when there are delays in social and language development and when the child shows repetitive behavior. However, repetitive behavior (like the rubbing you describe) also occurs frequently with other forms of developmental disabiility. From your description, your cousin certainly sounds as though she would be eligible for physical therapy and speech and language services.