Understanding the Language of ADHD and Autism Communities on Social Media

Health communities online are popular for individuals to discuss health challenges and exchange social support. With social media, online communities also benefit neurodivergent individuals, by creating inclusive spaces where sharing of experience and knowledge is encouraged. The discussion in online communities covers a wide range of topics. As a result, the discussions differ in terms of topics, tone, and approach. This paper presents an analysis of social media posts shared on Reddit communities on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) between 2018 and 2020. In the study, we use a computer-aided model to identify prevalent topics in each subreddit and common themes. We conduct a comparative analysis of the communities and assess theme frequency and sentiment. The study highlights common topics found in r/adhd and r/autism subreddits, including diagnosis, treatment (medication dose and side effects), and social aspects (school, work, and peer interactions).