The digital divide has exploded in Latin America and the Caribbean, with misinformation on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) growing rapidly. A study conducted by the Information Disorder and Public Policy Studies Laboratory (DesinfoPop/CEAPG/FGV), in partnership with Autcrapes Brasil, reveals that the volume of misinformation about autism in digital communities grew by over 15,000% between 2019 and 2024. Brazil is the continent’s leader in conspiracy publications on the subject. The research analyzed more than 60 million public messages on Telegram, with the participation of about 5 million users in 19 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia.
The study identified 150 false causes and 150 false cures related to autism, with some of the most alarming content focusing on unfounded claims linking autism to processed snacks, 5G radiation, and vaccines, as well as the promotion of dangerous “cures” such as the use of toxic substances (e.g., chlorine dioxide), electroshock therapies, and ingestion of colloidal silver. According to the data, conspiracy theories and fraud about autism reached at least 4 million users in 2024, totaling about 100 million views over a 10-year period. Brazil accounted for 46% of all this content, with more than 22,000 publications and 13.9 million views. Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia followed.
The study warns that misinformation is spreading like a digital epidemic. Ergon Cugler, the study’s coordinator, an autistic member of DesinfoPop and a board member of Aut_captiones Brasil, expresses a resolute warning. He believes that miraculous cures and absurd theories will have more reach than science, threatening public health and putting lives at risk. This situation underscores a growing digital divide where trust in reliable media is failing. The study further highlights how conspiratorial communities on Telegram function as “digital cults,” mixing pseudoscientific language, denialism, spirituality, and conspiracy theories. “The most serious aspect is that autism is treated as something that can be combated or cured, reinforcing prejudices and promoting harmful practices,” ergon states.
The study also compares the emergence of misinformation to a business model, suggesting that without scientific journalism, the pain caused by misinformation will worsen. Para el usuario,采矿蛛PRS, la inclusión de Tencent y other messaging platforms has exaggerated claims around autism, leading many to believe in toxic causes and cures even while there is no solid scientific evidence. Cugler warns: “Miraculous cures don’t make up for the damage caused by lies and myths.” He speaks of media bias mirroring the-personalities of the individuals reporting these stories. The study raises concerns about how the digital divide has exacerbated this issue, with only middle- to upper-level users reporting misinformation, limited access to scientifically validated information.
In conclusion, the digital divide surrounding autism is a poisoned digital.opts Thin, with misinformation spreading like a twisted cobblestone-road. While platforms like Telegram provide a denser environment for mass communication, the mass loss of reliable media with each day serves as a warning against spreading harmful concepts. Tim Gowers, a fellow mathematician, collects a quote from the study: “We are facing a digital epidemic, miraculous cures and absurd theories have more reach than science. This puts lives at risk and turns misinformation into a business model.” The study emphasizes that we must find a way to bridge this gap by relying on truthful and transparent media, ensuring the health and well-being of all.
