Systematic Review to Assess Accuracy and Impact of ADHD and Autism Content on Social Media Videos

September 9, 2026 2 Min Read

Overview of Social Media’s Role in Neurodiversity Information

Social media platforms have become a major source of information on mental health topics, especially among young adults, with over 60% relying on these channels for knowledge. Content related to neurodiversity, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is particularly popular in short-form video formats. However, concerns have been raised by researchers and clinicians about the reliability of this content and the potential for misinformation to spread without proper verification.

Purpose and Scope of the Review

To address these concerns, a systematic review protocol has been developed to examine the scientific accuracy and influence of short-form social media videos about ADHD and ASD. The review aims to:

Characterize the popularity and features of ADHD and ASD-related short videos.
Assess how well these videos align with established clinical guidelines.
Investigate their effects on stigma, as well as on viewers’ attitudes toward diagnosis, treatment, and symptom understanding.

Methodology

This review protocol follows the 2020 PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) standards to ensure rigorous and transparent research. The literature search will include databases such as PsycINFO, PubMed, and SCOPUS, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published in English up to June 1, 2026. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs, along with mixed methods, will be considered.

After removing duplicate records, independent reviewers will screen studies by title and abstract, followed by full-text assessments to determine eligibility. Extracted data will be analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches to synthesize findings comprehensively.

Potential Implications for Families and Viewers

Understanding the nature and impact of ADHD and ASD content on social media can help caregivers, individuals with neurodivergent conditions, and healthcare providers navigate the digital landscape more effectively. Insights from this review may inform strategies to promote accurate information dissemination and reduce stigma associated with these conditions.

Considerations and Limitations

As this is a protocol for a systematic review, results are pending. The review will depend on the quality and scope of existing studies, which may vary. Additionally, while the review will assess associations, it cannot establish causation regarding the effects of social media content on viewers’ perceptions and behaviors.

For more detailed information, see the original protocol published in PLoS One: Autism and ADHD social media short-form video content: A systematic review protocol.