Promoting auditory accessibility for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the public transport system

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is mainly characterized by a difficulty with neurotypical social interactions, a need for orderliness and routine, and a hypersensibility to stimuli. From all sensory stimuli, sound is proven to be most disturbing to autistic individuals. Most autistics experience severe anxiety and stress having to navigate a world that was not built for them. Therefore, this study aims to understand (quantify and qualify) the atypical response to sound - especially on ASD persons - and the neurological factors behind it. The next step on this research is reviewing literature regarding architectural design strategies for ASD. Later on, using a subway station from the city of São Paulo as study object, this paper will propose a guideline for architectural design for ASD focused on the metro system. This study will contribute to the better understanding of the Autistic Community´s sensory diversity and to a more inclusive architectural designing process.