Upvote or Downvote ABA for Autism? Content and Support in Reddit Posts

Abstract

Reddit discourse surrounding treatments for autistic individuals is easily accessible. Multiple Reddit threads discuss Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as one option. Such content impacts decision-making despite the absence of gatekeeping mechanisms to identify misinformation. Using a cross-sectional design, this study explores perceptions of ABA-based interventions shared on Reddit by exploring posts’ content, stance and evidence used to support claims. Posts examined generally lacked support of scientific evidence. Additionally, perspectives on ABA were influenced by personal experiences with the intervention. This data provides insight to support healthcare professionals and families engaged in shared decision-making regarding intervention choices.

Keywords:

• Applied behavior analysis
• authority
• autism spectrum disorders
• health information literacy
• interventions-psychosocial/ behavioral
• misinformation
• social media

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karen Whisenhunt Saar

Karen Whisenhunt Saar, PhD ([email protected]), is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, USA.

Michael Saar

Michael Saar, MLS ([email protected]), is an Associate Professor and interim Dean, of the Mary and John Gray Library, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, USA.

Monica Bellon-Harn

Monica Bellon-Harn, PhD ([email protected]), is Professor and Director of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Piedmont University, Demorest, Georgia, USA.

William Harn

William Harn, PhD ([email protected]), is in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Piedmont University, USA.

Ryan Boyd

Ryan Boyd, PhD ([email protected]), is an independent researcher, in Washington, DC, USA.

Vinaya Manchaiah

Vinaya Manchaiah, PhD ([email protected]), is Professor & Director of Audiology, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.