Public spaces — and the bright lights and loud sounds they often bring — can be a challenge for anyone, but especially for those on the autism spectrum.
Officials at the Port Authority of NY/NJ, recognizing the issues, recently opened a second sensory room in Terminal A Newark Liberty International Airport designed to provide a peaceful environment for neurodivergent travelers – and they did it with Jersey style.
The room has a peaceful underwater theme, complete with aqua blue floors and sea life projections.
More than that, the room will feature a replica aircraft cabin – a great help in preparing hesitant travelers prepare for boarding. It’s hard to describe how helpful that will be for a parent trying to explain a new situation/environment to their child.
This new post-security sensory room complements the existing pre-screening sensory room, which opened in December 2023 and features a forested riverbank setting. Both rooms were developed in consultation with the Anderson Center for Autism, which also trained airport staff on best practices for engaging with neurodivergent travelers.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole emphasized the commitment to accessibility at the airport.
“We’re proud that Newark Liberty’s Terminal A now sets a new standard for accessibility and comfort in air travel,” he said.
The new room is just one part of a program to help those with sensory challenges.
Travelers can move seamlessly from the pre-screening room to a dedicated TSA Cares screening lane and then into the post-screening sensory room. The new room also features interactive bubble tubes and calming sea life projections, providing a tranquil refuge from the often-overwhelming airport environment.
The Port Authority has prioritized accessible and inclusive design across its airports, with plans to include similar facilities at JFK Airport. Newark Liberty’s Terminal C and other Port Authority airports also offer meditation spaces and sensory facilities for neurodivergent travelers.
