What is it about?
This study looks at how Instagram is used to raise awareness and support for people with autism. We analyzed 364 of the most popular posts with hashtags like #autism and #asd to understand what kinds of messages get the most attention. We found that posts written by autistic people, especially those sharing personal experiences, sparked the most conversation and support. Overall, the posts were mostly neutral or positive, focusing on advocacy, community, and celebrating neurodiversity. These results show that Instagram can be a powerful tool for amplifying autistic voices, reducing stigma, and encouraging inclusion.
Featured Image
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Autism is often misunderstood, and social media has become one of the main ways people learn about it. Our study shows that Instagram can be a powerful tool for spreading accurate information and reducing stigma when autistic people share their own experiences. These posts help others understand autism as part of natural human diversity, not just a medical condition. This matters because it promotes inclusion, encourages empathy, and gives autistic individuals more control over how their stories is told. By highlighting what types of posts engage the public most, our research offers practical guidance for advocates, families, and organizations who want to use social media to support acceptance and understanding.
Perspectives
This research highlights how social media, especially Instagram, is more than entertainment, it can shape how society understands autism. For autistic people, Instagram offers a way to share their stories directly, building community and challenging stereotypes. For families and professionals, it shows the value of listening to lived experiences and using them to guide awareness and support. By learning what types of posts gain the most attention, advocates and organizations can design more effective campaigns that reduce stigma, promote acceptance, and encourage inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Ali Naderi Malek
University of Vermont
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring Autism Advocacy and Public Engagement on Instagram: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of High-Engagement Posts, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, September 2025, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2025_persp-25-00039.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
