Autism trait or selective hearing... help

[LibbiL6]

I am a first time mum and recently I have a become concerned on my sons development. So basically my Son has stopped responding to his name I have to say it three or four times before he responds, he's very content playing on his own, I don't know if this is just selective hearing or if there might be more of an issue here. He's just about to turn one is this something anyone else has experienced? The trouble is when I Google things it tells me straight away that it's a trait for autism which is obviously worrying me. I don't know whether the lockdown has got something to do with it obviously he hasn't had any interaction with other children during that time and I'm thinking he may just be bored of keep hearing it lol. He isn't overly interested in playing with other children but does show acknowledgment. I was just looking for some reassurance, the HV said it sounds like he's fine and it might just be a case of boredom but I just I'm a worrier and I can't stop thinking about it, also he's met all his milestones and he enjoys playing and everything else. Also it's worth mentioning he does respond when we are playing hide and seek etc.Any feedback would be great, I would rather hear real experiences rather than keep reading Dr. Google. Thank you x

Hi, we also had these concerns about my dd when she had just turned one. Didn't seem to answer to her name consistently, wasn't pointing, liked to play on her own and when we did her asq for 12 months she was a bit behind on communication. Google did not help as everything seemed to say 'autism red flags'.
She is now 16 months and we have zero concerns! Answers to her name (most but not all the time) and is now actually ahead with her communication.
I found looking at the ASQs and also listening to the Teach Me to Talk podcasts helped. Also possibly seeing more people- she is now at nursery.
If your ds is meeting his milestones and playing social games like hide and seek I wouldn't worry and would just try to stop googling!! X

Aww, that's put my mind at ease! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond its all such a worry isn't it, I

Oops, I meant I need to stop googling! X

I think when you're worried about ASD you have to take everything into context. Most kids will show some traits certainly in their first few years as their social/communication skills are developing but it doesn't mean they're autistic. If not answering name is the only thing you're noticing I wouldn't be too worried. Remember as well that even NT kids will only answer their name about 1/3 to 1/2 the time especially when in early toddlerhood.