18 month old daughter

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Hey folks, been a long time since I was on this forum. Since then, apart from my son's diagnosis, I also got diagnosed autistic, I am due to get married and have 3 stepdaughters one of which is autistic and have had a daughter myself 18 months ago, who is the focus of this post.
She rarely used to head bang but has been doing it progressively more. Now it's a common occurrence. Multiple times a day.
She also has no speech other than Dada and mama, and does not answer her name. She slaps me and my partner frequently, although when we firmly tell her no she will then give us a kiss, often followed by more slaps.
My question is how do we address these issues, for the headbanging we have just purchased a helmet to stop her hurting herself, but is there any other ideas to stop the behaviour and or risk of hurting herself.
For the slapping what approach to you think would work? She finds it amusing when we say ow.
Another issue is her persistent climbing, anything and everything... Constantly.
From the multitude of factors we have contacted the health visitor and are hoping to start the ball rolling for an assessment as we believe she is on the spectrum. What's your ideas on techniques we could use?

Thanks folks

Have you tried looking at diet?
Some people talk about GAPS diet.

I shall look at that now, thank you

Some of the behaviors are probably responses to sensory stimulus and are self-calming. Those should not be stopped, just redirected. Make your house safe for an active, climbing, busy toddler. You will be so much happier if the environment suits her needs.

Other behaviors are testing for cause and effect. I suspect that is what is happening with the slapping. Develop and maintain a calm and consistent approach, such as stilling her hand and firmly saying "you cannot slap people." Eventually she will tire of the game, but may still re-test every few months. Stay consistent.

I know all this is distressing.

But she sounds like she likes to have fun with you, at least, no matter how irritating this might be----so she can't be THAT autistic.

She knows "cause and effect."

You might want to try diversion with toys (perhaps manipulatives) a little more advanced than her age. This might help her find stimulation from sources a little more safe.

I wonder could this be 'sensory-seeking' behaviour?
My son, who is on the spectrum, has always liked doing things like running and bouncing off a wall, pillowfights throwing soft pillows around, and bouncing on settees.
Maybe you could buy some pillows with covers with different textures (e.g. velvet, silk etc.) and encourage her to play with those, e.g. with some pillowfights?
My son also liked a small indoor ('soft play') steps and slide that he had when he was a toddler. Soft play shapes might be fun too for your daughter e.g. you can buy soft play cubes to build with.
Another thing my son enjoys a lot is playing with a balloon. That can involve lots of running around after the balloon so uses up a lot of excess energy.
It sounds like your daughter is enjoying interacting with you, so that is probably a good sign that she is enjoying those interpersonal interactions.

Also theres a theory that autistic people were lacking emotional engagement when they were a baby. Like all that motherly behaviour like 'peek a boo!' 'hahah!' etc.
But I dont know if its true or not