The sensory room at the Pittsburgh International Airport. — Handout
Airports are a world of bustle, with people thundering about dragging suitcases, non-stop announcements and an overwhelming amount of information to digest at top speed.
The experience of travel is particularly stressful for the neurodiverse, with sufferers from autism at significant risk of sensory overload.
That has prompted a growing number of airports to provide sensory rooms, dedicated areas of calm to help ease some of the stress of travel.
From the airports in the United States like Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) and Seattle (Washington), to Dublin in Ireland, the trend suggests that such oases are deeply valued by passengers.
Pittsburgh International Airport says its sensory room, Presley’s Place, “offers a calming space for families to relax”.
San Francisco (California) airport has also opened a similar facility. The space is open to everyone but was designed specifically for neurodiverse travellers and their families. It also features a representation of an aircraft interior to help travellers familiarise themselves with the environment.
Seattle Airport created a space with a rocking chair, dimmable lighting and a starry night ceiling as a “... calming environment for those who may feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or find the need re-centre from the multitude of sights and sounds of the airport travel experience.”
Dublin Airport meanwhile has built two sensory rooms to “... help calm passengers who might feel overwhelmed in busy and unfamiliar airport surroundings.”
Passengers departing from the airport may use the rooms free of charge, with 60-minute sessions available through a booking system.
But worldwide, the number of airports providing these facilities is still small, so if you feel the need for peace and quiet, the best place you are likely to find it is in memorial and prayer rooms, which are usually open to travellers of any religious denomination.
Many airports also offer further forms of support for people whose impairments are not visible, by issuing sunflower lanyards.
These are a discreet indication for those affected to signal that they have an impairment that may not be obvious and highlight to airport staff and other travellers that they may need more time or help in some situations. – dpa
Malaysia’s effort
Kuala Lumpur International Airport also has its own Butterfly Effect initiative, which caters to passengers with hidden disabilities like autism.
According to KLIA’s official website, the Butterfly Effect is a theory that describes how small changes can result in unpredictable consequences over a period of time. “We believe that introducing autism-friendly facilities is a start towards creating a better experience for our special guests,” it states.
The initiative features a Calm Room at Terminal 1, and several Sensory Walls at both terminals. The Calm Room is colourful and brightly lit, with some sensory-stimulating activity stations.
The Sensory Walls meanwhile are interactive touch panels that can “... help individuals with autism calm down through different types of tactile, visual and auditory play”.
Passengers who need this service will have to pre-register online before heading to the Airport Care InfoCentre located at Terminal 1 (Level 5) or the Airport Information Counter at Terminal 2 (Level 3) to pick up the “Butterfly kit”, which will include a special lanyard. This lanyard will let airport staff be aware of your needs, and will allow you access to all the priority lanes at the security, immigration and customs checkpoints.
The same lanyard may be used for future visits to the airport; however, you will need to register again. For more information, go to https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/. – Melody L. Goh