When do you have the apt? I wish someone told me about the regional Center earlier, as they only give early intervention services until 3 and takes them awhile to do the paperwork. Just in case, call them right away and ask them to evaluate for autism -- ask for a psychologist evaluation in addition to the three standard evals they do. Ours sent three evaluators not qualified to diagnose and then diagnosed officially as close as they could to his third birthday to avoid giving services like speech therapy. Sounds like you are on top of this! Good that you are asking questions and seeking answers.

Do both. The regional center is by law required to evaluate you daughter within 60 or 30 days, sorry can't remember which. But it's good to have both if there is a diagnosis.

Glad you are taking action sounds like you'll know soon and sounds like alot of autistic behavoirs

Her pediatrician sent the referral for her to go through the Autism Discovery Institute through Children's Hospital. Since it's going through the insurance, I have to wait for them to approve the referral (Dr said they will, but it takes them about a week to process it typically) before I can call and schedule the appointment, so we don't have one on the books yet. From all the research I did yesterday, it seems like there will probably be a waitlist for the apt. Is Regional Center better/faster?

Forgot to mention that she shows aggression toward herself too, mostly hitting herself and pulling her hair