July 25, 2019, New York Post: Airport ‘sensory room’ helps kids with autism adjust to flying https://nypost.com/2019/07/25/airport-sensory-room-helps-kids-with-autism-adjust-to-flying/ Traveling can be stressful for any family of young children, but the prospect can be overwhelming for kids with autism. That’s why Pittsburgh International Airport just installed a “sensory room,” which will help those with autism and other special needs acclimate to the in-flight experience before stepping onto the plane. The sound-proof space includes a reproduction of an American Airlines jet cabin — seat belts, overhead bins and all — allowing kids to get used to the environment. The 1,500-square-foot room is also equipped with comfy seating, soothing lights, bubble tube lamps and an adult-sized changing table. The idea came from PIA employee Jason Rudge, whose 4-year-old son Presley has autism. He had his first “sensory room” experience two years prior, which Jason says made a positive impact on Presley…. “It’s incredibly important that we are able to welcome all the passengers here who want to be here and we want to give them the best experience before they get on the airplane,” says CEO Christina Cassotis. “We see this as an enormous public service and opportunity. It’s going to make things better for families and for their fellow passengers. Rudge hopes the room, affectionately dubbed “Presley’s Place,” will allow families “to go on vacations that [they] never thought they could.”…
