signs in a 14 month old

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My 6th child is 14 months old and I've been suspicious of autism for a while now. He has had other health issues and was premature, but he shows some atypical things for a child even with his history I believe. I mentioned my concerns to our occupational therapist and he said he definitely sees signs of sensory issues and it wouldn't be a bad idea to mention it to his pediatrician and neurologist, which I will be doing soon, but wanted to know what people who have been through this think.
The signs he has that make me suspicious are:
Head banging
Ear covering
Babbles but doesn't use any words with purpose
Doesn't point or wave
Did not demand to be held or fed as an infant and was most content in the mamaroo with repetitive motion
Doesn't cuddle at all, never really has
Is very strange with extreme temperatures. He wont touch anything hot, eat ice cream, touch snow, and if he does he starts shaking his hands
Gets hysterical from loud noises like the vacuum or the dog barking, or when you are trying to get him to do something he doesn't want to like his last 2 physical therapy appointments (this one really takes me off guard because 98% of the time he is so super chill and doing his own thing and not in the least bit demanding...)
He's perfectly content playing alone in his crib
He has to have his bedtime routine or he will stand up and jump in his crib and wont settle down for hours

There are several things he does do that make me think I'm just looking too much into things like making eye contact, playing peek a boo, smiling and laughing with the other kids at times. Thoughts anyone??

It's definitely not conclusive that he's autistic--but an assessment wouldn't hurt at all.

Only babbling at 14 months means nothing; many kids only babble at 14 months.

The other "symptoms" could mean autism--or they could mean something else. Or maybe even nothing at all.

I would try to do it at a place which is tailored to autism.

Even if it isn't autism, but is "something else," he'll start receiving the Early Intervention he needs as a result.

You may want to try posting in the parents' forum, they'd be more likely to know what an autistic 14 month old looks like.

I tend to side on not diagnosing people very young, but head banging is not good and needs to be dealt with.

A lot of that sounds suspect to me. I don't know what your area is like, but here they provide free evaluation and services while kids are under 3. Wait lists for evaluation are long so I'd start the process now. We actually paid out of pocket to see a developmental pediatrician because we didn't want to wait. It was worth it just to have the diagnosis as it opens a lot of doors. I believe a neurologist or dev. pediatrician are the ones who can diagnose. Good luck!

If a label will get him early intervention particularly with the sensory issues you describe Go for it
A good occupational therapist and speech therapy could be life changing fir him
My daughter was diagnosed very late early is good