P2.145: Verified or Viral? An Analysis of TikTok Nutritional Recommendations for Improving Speech and Communication in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Since its rise to popularity in 2019, TikTok has facilitated the dissemination of opinions and information on various medical topics, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It has become a resource that many parents of children with ASD turn to for advice. On the app, creators are incentivized to post short, attention-grabbing videos to increase views and engagement, which may make them more likely to post controversial claims. While TikTok has taken steps to combat the spread of misinformation, the accuracy of videos categorized as personal experiences remains largely unmonitored. This study seeks to determine the reach and accuracy of information shared via TikTok regarding nutritional recommendations for improving speech and communication in individuals with ASD.

Methods: Using a newly created TikTok account, the first 50 videos that made an informational claim regarding the impact of diet on speech or communication for individuals with ASD were identified using the combination of hashtags: #Autism, #nutrition, #food, and #ASD. The number of views, likes, comments, and shares were recorded to assess engagement. The content was fact-checked via a thorough search in the current literature, and videos were subsequently classified as accurate, inaccurate, or insufficiently supported by evidence. Additionally, the creator’s credentials and affiliations with a product or service were recorded.

Results: Collectively, the 50 videos had 5,127,320 views, 161,090 likes, 6,792 comments, 76,686 saves, and 76,522 shares. Six videos (12%) featured individuals claiming to be a healthcare professional, and 45 (90%) were posted by profiles that contained links to a product or service. Nine videos (18%) were accurate and 8 (16%) were inaccurate. The remaining 33 (66%) videos were insufficiently supported by evidence in the current literature. There was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of videos created by healthcare professionals as compared to those created by non-healthcare professionals (p=1.0). Of the videos posted by creators who promoted a product or service in their profile, 8 (17%) were accurate, six (13%) were inaccurate, and 31 (69%) were insufficiently supported with evidence.

Conclusion: Given the wide distribution of information via TikTok, it is essential that pediatric providers are aware of the popularity and accuracy of this content. The majority of information being circulated is not evidence-based, which highlights the need for further robust research in this area. Furthermore, clinicians and patient families should be aware that the large majority of creators sharing content on this topic have affiliations with products or services related to their posts, which they are not required to disclose. The results of this analysis should encourage providers to have open discussions with patients and their families regarding content posted on social media.