Presenter(s)

• Gagandeep Shergill, North Carolina State University

Abstract

Autistic youth experience diverse educational experiences across inclusive and separate educational settings, yet much of the existing literature relies on interviews and surveys that may underrepresent minimally verbal individuals and introduce response bias. This study examined how autistic individuals discuss educational experiences on Reddit, including commonly discussed topics, overall sentiment, and differences between discussions focused on special education and general education contexts. Posts from autism-related Reddit communities were analyzed using topic modeling and sentiment analysis. Frequently discussed themes included bullying, inclusion, sensory sensitivities, masking, accommodations, diagnostic experiences, academic difficulties, and peer relationships. Overall sentiment was generally neutral to negative, with bullying-related discussions reflecting the most negative emotional tone. No statistically significant differences in sentiment were observed between discussions focused on special education versus general education experiences. Findings highlight the heterogeneity of autistic students’ educational experiences and suggest that placement alone may not mitigate negative school experiences. Implications for school psychologists include the importance of individualized supports, attention to bullying and sensory needs, and consideration of broader school climate factors.