A new pre-security sensory room at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is helping to make air travel more comfortable for neurodiverse travelers. This space provides a calm environment for passengers before their flight and offers a smoother, less stressful path through security screening.

The sensory room, located in Terminal A, was designed with input from autism experts to create a serene, calming atmosphere. It mimics a peaceful river scene, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The space is part of the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Cares program, which offers expedited security for travelers with special needs.

“It’s meant to be a calming place that gives you a little bit of a chance to catch your breath before you go through the busy airport environment,” explained Sarah McKeon, the Port Authority’s general manager of New Jersey airports.

Spanning 1,000 square feet, the sensory room features colorful carpeting designed to resemble a riverbank, beams shaped like trees, and even a fish tank that serves as a tribute to New Jersey’s natural landscapes. The space also includes glowing bubble tubes, which offer visual, tactile, and auditory stimulation—combining soft vibrations with the sound of beads bouncing off glass for a soothing effect.

One unique feature of the Newark sensory room is its direct connection to a separate TSA screening area. Travelers who sign up for the TSA Cares program can meet a TSA officer inside the room, who will guide them through a less hectic security lane. This thoughtful design ensures that neurodiverse travelers experience fewer distractions and have a more manageable airport experience.

In addition to the pre-security room, Newark is constructing another sensory room in the same terminal, this time post-security. This space will have an ocean theme, featuring sea life projections, calming music, soft seating, and another fish tank. One special feature will be a replica of an airplane cabin, allowing passengers to get comfortable with the environment before boarding their flight.

The initiative at Newark Liberty International Airport is part of a growing trend to accommodate neurodiverse travelers in airports across the country. These sensory spaces recognize the challenges that many individuals face while traveling and aim to make the experience more inclusive and enjoyable.