I know about autism and the different fears they live with. I have a friend with a son who has autism. He is afraid of clouds and rain. Tina is building a school for children with autism and Asperger's. Joey is now in middle school and there is no place for him. He functions at a high level so he doesn't fit in life skills, but not high enough for mainstream. So, yes, I know what a milestone this is for both you and your daughter.
Elizabeth