Sources and content of popular online videos about autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to determine source of upload and content portrayed in the100 most-viewed videos on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on the video sharing public forum, YouTube. ASDs have become highly prevalent in the last decade, arousing a significant response from the media and psycho-educational health professions. Utilization of and reliance on social media for information on health matters has also proliferated. Some suggest that online videos could promote early detection (and intervention) of ASD by prompting caregivers to seek guidance. However, the usefulness of the available videos is unclear.Methods: The 100 most popular YouTube videos were examined for source of upload and information provided. Popularity was determined by number of views, using the filter tool.Results: The videos had more than 121 million views combined. Only one video had been uploaded by a professional (a clinical psychologist). The 99 (non-professional) videos provided minimal data and research into known ASD risk factors. Interestingly, discredited vaccine-associated risks were promoted in 16% (95% CI = 09%–25%) of the 100 videos analyzed. Many videos featured a child with ASD exhibiting some characteristic patterns, such as engaging in a repetitive behavior (73%, 95% CI = 63%-81%); about as many videos referenced various therapies (75%, 95% CI = 65%-83%); and 54% (95% CI = 44%–64%) and 61% (95% CI =51%–71%) of the videos mentioned the economic and emotional toll of ASD on the family,respectively. Additional variables are discussed.Conclusion: The most popular online videos were primarily uploaded by non-professionals and provided limited content regarding ASD. Given the wide reach of social media and its potential for providing valuable information and guidance to the public on matters pertaining to ASD, we wish to underscore the necessity for a professional presence in this medium.

A cross-sectional study of the portrayal of childhood speech and language disorders in YouTube videos

“…Even though more videos were uploaded by professionals, viewers lean toward consumer-based videos, which may have a lesser degree of scrutiny than other videos. These findings are somewhat consistent with Kollia et al 16 and Basch et al 18 who reported that the most popular videos were from consumers. Viewers may have a preference for viewing personal experiences.…”

“…Three studies have been published. Within the area of autism, Kollia et al 16 identified source of upload and content portrayed in the 100 most-viewed videos on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results indicated that videos with the most views were uploaded by non-professionals and provided content (i.e.…”

Is It Possible to Educate, Intervene or “Cure” Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Content Analysis of YouTube Videos

“…In addition, people with ASD can create videos by themselves, without the overlay of direct social interaction with others, making their own needs and interests known worldwide [ 4 ], and thus giving them a voice to educate others not only about autism itself, but also about how they think and feel [ 10 ]. In this sense, YouTube videos could promote a move to more social inclusion of people with this disorder [ 7 , 9 , 12 ].…”

“…These requirements lead professionals and researchers to question the veracity and quality of the information found on the platform. In fact, previous studies have found that many YouTube videos contain misleading information, primarily anecdotal, which contradict the reference standards [ 3 , 12 ]. In this sense, some studies conclude that this platform can be used as a medium for promoting unscientific therapies, as well as having the power to influence people’s beliefs, one way or another, on controversial topics [ 3 , 8 ].…”

“…Researchers have found that videos with the most views have been uploaded by non-professionals and provide limited content [ 12 , 14 ]. Although there are many that are educationally useful, such as those created by the families of children with autism [ 8 , 9 ], other videos have been found to contain erroneous information, such as, for example, those that demonstrate parental implementation of specific teaching strategies of the picture exchange communication system (PECS) [ 15 ].…”