Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Content in Highly Viewed TikTok Videos

Abstract

Background: Social media allows users to connect with others’ experiences and points of view, with TikTok being the fastest-growing platform worldwide. Highly viewed videos related to neurodiversity on TikTok have an increasing role in understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. However, little is known about the type of such highly viewed TikTok content, including how neurodivergent individuals depict themselves or are depicted by others. This study aimed to explore neurodivergent content within highly viewed TikTok videos using autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related hashtags.

Methods: We identified publicly available videos (n = 500) using hashtags with high view counts (#autism, #actuallyautistic, #autismawareness, #autismacceptance, #audhd, #adhd, #adhdtiktok, #adhdcheck, #adhdawareness, #neurospicy; 50 selected per hashtag). We coded videos identified for feature extraction for engagement metrics, demographics, and type of included content, with 20% randomly selected for qualitative reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Most videos depicted creators with lived experience of ADHD and/or autism, with videos using ADHD hashtags most often from the perspective of individuals with ADHD and autism videos including a broader range of perspectives from autistic creators and loved ones (parents, siblings, partners). Most content shared personal experiences, often with humorous or self-deprecating overtures. We developed several themes: (1) lived neurodivergent experiences, (2) sensory differences and experiences, (3) family and relationships, and (4) portrayals of neurodivergence. Subthemes included invisible presentations of autism and ADHD, appreciation for community support and accommodations, sharing of strengths and challenges, and the impact of co-occurring conditions.

Discussion: Engaging on social media can be a powerful medium to find and enhance feelings of connection with the autistic and ADHD communities, with various perspectives and experiences portrayed by creators using neurodiversity-related hashtags. Further research is needed to understand how users perceive or interpret such content, both within and outside the neurodivergent community.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Social media is used for many purposes, including entertainment, sharing experiences, building communities, and information seeking. Many neurodivergent users may also use social media to connect with communities, explore identity, and find support. Some prior research has looked at the types of content shared on social media using neurodivergent hashtags but has mainly focused on the accuracy of videos or explored the potential for misinformation. No previous research has looked at both autism and ADHD content together.

What was the purpose of this study?

This study explored content in highly viewed TikTok videos using popular neurodiversity-related hashtags. We wanted to understand what was shared by creators in videos and develop themes about what was found across these.

What did the researchers do?

Our research team consisted of diverse individuals with varied experiences within the neurodivergent community. We used 10 popular hashtags to search for videos on TikTok and identified 500 videos to review. We then watched, coded, and discussed as a team.

What were the results of the study?

Most videos shared personal experiences from the perspective of neurodivergent creators. Videos using autism hashtags more commonly showed experiences of family members (parents or siblings). About half of the videos had humorous intent, with many sharing challenges and sensory difficulties. We developed four themes that described what videos depicted, including (1) personal lived neurodivergent experiences (including subthemes related to invisible or hidden presentations, community support and accommodations, celebrating strengths, navigating challenges, and the impact of co-occurring challenges); (2) sensory differences and experiences; (3) the importance of family and relationships (including supportive loving relationships and misunderstandings); and (4) portrayals of neurodivergence in videos. These themes explored a rich array of experiences related to autism and ADHD, including those from neurodivergent people’s perspectives, as well as from their community and supporters, showcasing everyday experiences alongside the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence.

What do these findings add to what was already known?

Our findings provide new insights into the types of neurodiversity-related content shared on highly viewed TikTok videos. The videos included in this study explored a rich array of neurodiversity-related content, with many videos focused on sharing experiences, fostering community, and offering strategies for support.

What are potential weaknesses in the study?

This study relied on our observations and interpretations of video content and may not always accurately reflect the creator’s purpose for sharing or creating videos. Additionally, social media platforms constantly change and update, which may mean that some content or features contained within videos may no longer be available.

How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?

These findings help us understand how video-sharing platforms such as TikTok share knowledge and experience and build communities through neurodiversity-related hashtags. The content in these videos may help understanding, awareness, and acceptance of neurodivergence through normalization of experiences. Future research could explore how users interpret neurodiversity-related social media content and whether these videos influence public perceptions and acceptance of neurodiversity.