Hello everyone. I’m very new to this group and eager to learn all I can.

My (27F) daughter (2F) just got diagnosed with autism. I’ve been on top of it since she was maybe about 11 months to 1 year. I started paying close attention to her stims and temperament after she abruptly would no longer let me touch her hands. I’m talking screaming and crying.

Over time, she began licking, licking literally everything. And not in the way a baby typically does. It was very extreme.

She eats almost all foods, except ice cream. She doesn’t seem to like Ice cream at all, if she eats a spoonful she makes a face and touches her tongue.

She also rocks, excessively. Always. Except when she’s sitting on the floor.

She also doesn’t speak. She babbles, says little words very sing-song. She does say a few words. Dada , Daddy , six , sit , hug . She’s told me to “go way” told me I suck, and has said “nuff” (for enough)

She hugs me when she wants, and tonight gave me kisses.

My son is 10 months younger than her, and she hates him. Has absolutely no time for him.

Anyway. From 18 months on, the doctor started guiding us in the right direction to have her tested. And on Monday she had her assessment and after 2.5 hours the doctor told me she has autism.

Due to her age, they can’t tell me where she is on the scale. I’m so fearful she will be non verbal .. she doesn’t copy me, so it doesn’t even seem like - right now - I could even teach her sign language.

I’m just scared and a little lost and need some extra guidance / advice.

I appreciate you all for reading If you’ve gotten this far. Thank you.