Viewpoint Analysis of Autism-Related Comments in Reddit During COVID-19

Major events, such as the COVID-19 health crisis, have different effects on various groups, with vulnerable populations like individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) being especially affected. Social media platforms capture the unique experiences of these individuals and their families, offering a wide range of perspectives and voices. This study utilizes text analysis methods to examine Reddit discussions concerning both autism and COVID-19. Through the analysis of these comments, we identify key themes, including challenges in education, employment, and family life, as well as conspiracy theories and propaganda surrounding vaccination. Our findings shed light on the struggles faced by individuals with autism during the lockdown and highlight their coping strategies. Additionally, the study reveals significant variations in sentiment and emotions across different themes within the comments, providing deeper insights into how these experiences are expressed and understood in online communities.