My 14 month old sits on his knees raises his hands (usually around bright lights) , grunts, shakes, and exhales. he is delayed. is this autism?

Only 1 symptom: The diagnosis of autism requires your child to have a certain number of criteria to make the diagnosis. While the movement you are describing sounds like it might meet be one of the criteria, there must be a constellation of criteria to actually diagnose. You need to see a professional who is skilled in this area so appropriate diagnosis can be made and the right treatment initiated.

It could be: This could be a stereotypy, a repetitive, non-fuctional movement seen in autism with the tensing & relaxing " shudder" of his trunk when excited about the light. If he raises his arms to be picked up, that's non--verbal communication at a 6-9 month level. His early intervention therapists can have you fill out a pddst or do an ados to assess his social communication & social reciprocity.Ask them.