Pittsburgh International Airport To Debut Autism-Friendly Suite

PITTSBURGH, PA - Travel can be challenging for those with autism. Crowds, unfamiliar sights and noises and even change in routing can pose difficulties for people on the spectrum and their families.

In recognition of those difficulties, Pittsburgh International Airport on Wednesday will unveil a new sensory-friendly area for travelers with autism and other neurodevelopmental challenges. Airport officials are calling the 1,500 square-foot space the most comprehensive sensory suite of any airport in the world.

The area includes a calming transition foyer, a family room, individual rooms with bubble tubes and an adult area. The space is fully soundproofed. The suite also contains a flight simulation area with actual airplane seats, overhead bins and working lights.

Airport officials said the sensory room idea came from an airport employee, Jason Rudge, whose 4-year-old son Presley has autism and for whom the room is named. Rudge and his family will attend the suite's grand opening.