Edmonton International Airport opens new sensory room on World Autism Day
Posted April 2, 2025 8:13 pm.
On World Autism Awareness Day, Edmonton International Airport is opening its new sensory room dedicated to catering to travelers with autism.
The project, which Mike Lake says would have helped his son Jaden—who is autistic—when he was first getting used to flying and airports, aims to provide a calming space for those in need.
“It’s just nice to have that quiet room where people can get away,” said Lake. “But I think it was hard because he couldn’t always articulate what he was feeling. It’s hard to figure out exactly what it was, and I think in those early days with him, a room like this would’ve been helpful.”
The Conservative Member of Parliament, who is running for re-election, says his son is now confident with flying, but having a space to decompress in a crowded and sometimes chaotic airport is still welcome.
The room allows visitors to engage with various tactile and auditory panels, and even offers travelers the opportunity to sit on a row of airplane seats.
“It gives people that little moment of time where they can collect themselves, where they can relax, where they can address anxiety issues or other sensory issues and mental health concerns,” said Melinda Noyes, executive director of Autism Edmonton.
The room is also soundproof, and the lights are kept dim.
“So, things like headphones, sunglasses, or low lights,” said Noyes. “In this room, people can find a bit of both and adjust to whatever their particular needs are in that moment.”
The room is a collaboration between the airport and Autism Edmonton, having taken feedback from local parents and travelers with autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities.
“They’ve been telling us stories about what we could potentially create here and how it could make a big difference in families’ lives,” said ,”said Erin Isfeld of Edmonton International Airport. “We’ve tried to build this room based on what works best for them.”
Similar rooms exist at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
Edmonton’s airport sensory room is already accessible for travelers near Gate 49.
