Digital trends in autism: a scoping review exploring coverage of autism across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook

Abstract

Autism continues to be a leading neurodevelopmental disorder across adult and pediatric populations that transcends racial, ethnic, age, and socioeconomic groups worldwide. Autism care and treatment also exerts immense costs on the healthcare system and lost productivity which are partly attributed to the existing resource limitations globally. Organizations, campaigns, and policies exist worldwide in increasing equity and accessibility of resources and services to individuals with autism. In the context of our digital era, a wealth of information is also more readily available on autism through electronic communication including social media platforms. As YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are ever-growing and among the leading social media platforms in contemporary times, examination of content covered on autism across these communication mediums is timely and warranted. This review consolidates findings from 32 sources on the sources, formats, and nature of content covered on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pertaining to a wealth of dimensions surrounding autism. Strengths and limitations of the studies and endeavors are presented. Implications for future campaign development, health equity, health policy, neurodiversity, and patient care are also delineated. Lastly, recommendations for future research and practice are discussed which present directions for tapping into the potential of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook as health communication mediums across the ever-changing autism landscape.

Exploration of the Content of Public Facebook Groups of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bangladesh

“…The research highlighted the significant role of Facebook groups in promoting information exchange and support for individuals with ASD in resource-constrained settings like Bangladesh (Mazumder et al, 2021). Moreover, Facebook support groups offer a diverse and inclusive space, encompassing individuals with ASD, parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and advocates (Jawed et al, 2023). This diverse membership fosters a rich environment for sharing experiences, strategies, and resources, thus enhancing the collective knowledge and understanding of ASD (Healy et al, 2018).…”

An Objective Comparison of the Quality and Reliability of Information Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder on YouTube

“…Despite the challenges associated with ASD, appropriate support can enable individuals to fully engage in various aspects of society. Diagnosing ASD is complex due to the absence of a specific test; experienced medical practitioners like psychiatrists and pediatricians rely on the DSM-5 to make diagnoses based on behavioral observations [ 1 ].…”