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AUTISMO ADULTO E SOBRECARGA SENSORIAL EM CONTEXTOS URBANOS: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A EDUCAÇÃO EM SAÚDE AMBIENTAL E QUALIDADE DE VIDA

Doi: 10.47094/978-65-284-0281-6/44-53

PALAVRAS CHAVE: Autismo adulto. Sobrecarga sensorial. Saúde ambiental.

KEYWORDS: Autistic adults. Sensory overload. Environmental health.

ABSTRACT:
This chapter examines how contemporary urban environments intensify sensory overload in autistic adults (Level 1), integrating evidence from neuroscience, environmental psychology, environmental health, neuroarchitecture, and first-person qualitative studies. Through a narrative critical review of publications from 2019 to 2025, the analysis demonstrates that noise, visual and atmospheric pollution, population density, harsh artificial lighting, and the scarcity of restorative spaces significantly heighten stress responses, hinder self-regulation, and reduce social participation among autistic adults. Findings indicate that healthcare facilities, public transportation, and densely populated public spaces often present high levels of sensory unpredictability, contributing to overload episodes, shutdowns, and social withdrawal. Conversely, studies on restorative environments and sensory-responsive architectural design reveal effective strategies for creating more inclusive and neurologically accommodating cities. The chapter concludes that sensory accessibility is an essential dimension of environmental health and urban equity, requiring public policies, professional training, and urban interventions that recognize neurodiversity as a foundational principle for promoting well-being and quality of life in autistic adults.

Autores

  • Guilherme Cosme Benedito dos Santos

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