Networked Neurodivergence: How TikTok Enables Autistic Community Formation | Sarah Toovey # - Social Media, Communities, & Networks Conference 2026: Semester 1 & SP1

Networked Neurodivergence: How TikTok Enables Autistic Community Formation | Sarah Toovey

Posted on

30/04/2026

This presentation examines how autistic communities form on TikTok, focusing on content shared under hashtags such as #ActuallyAutistic and #AutismTikTok. It argues that TikTok does not simply host these communities, but actively shapes their formation through algorithmic curation and participatory features. Drawing on concepts including clustered publics, imitation publics, and biographical illumination, the presentation explores how users are connected through the platform’s recommendation system, how community is built through shared content practices, and how identity is developed through exposure to relatable experiences. It also considers how these spaces function as counterpublics that challenge dominant, deficit-based narratives of autism, while acknowledging limitations such as algorithmic bias and uneven representation.

Search Site

Comments

2 responses to “Networked Neurodivergence: How TikTok Enables Autistic Community Formation | Sarah Toovey”

Imogen

04/05/2026

Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed your presentation on Networked Neurodivergence: How TikTok Enables Autistic Community Formation.

Here are my 3 questions:

Question 1:
If autistic communities are largely formed through algorithmic curation on TikTok, how much control do users actually have over finding and shaping these communities themselves?
Question 2:
You discussed ‘platform diagnosis’ as a form of identity formation—do you think this empowers individuals, or risks oversimplifying complex clinical understandings of autism?
Question 3:
If TikTok’s algorithm prioritises more ‘relatable’ or engaging content, how might this shape which autistic experiences are seen—and which are excluded—from these communities?

Reply
Kelsea

07/05/2026

Hi Sarah,
I really enjoyed your presentation, your voice is very calming and professional! I especially enjoyed the way you explored how TikTok helps autistic people not only find connection abut reclaim representation through shared lived experiences online, and the way they are almost rediscovering themselves in a more relatable and accepted way through what you describes as biographical illumination. It’s no longer about shying away from these stigmas towards autism with the “oh, it’s just me”, but instead it’s turned into a “no wait, it can’t just be me” (if that makes sense). I felt your presentation related to mine a lot too, in that TikTok stimulates that “shared” perspective of identity formation and belonging through relatability in what would usually be considered a difficult circumstance.

I have a few questions I’d love to hear your thoughts on:

1) You spoke about how online spaces can help people feel accepted and understood. Why do you think TikTok might feel more accessible or emotionally safe for autistic users compared to offline communities? Do you think this has shifted the way we understand social connection and identity formation?

2) I was also wondering about the negative side of TikTok communities. Since trends and viral content are such a big part of the platform, do you think there’s a pressure for autistic creators to present themselves in certain ways in order to fit in or gain visibility online? I’d love to hear your thoughts on authenticity within these spaces.

3) Finally, in what ways do you think TikTok is changing the way younger generations understand autism and neurodivergence compared to older generations or traditional media representations?

Reply

Social Media, Communities, & Networks Conference 2026: Semester 1 & SP1