Moving on the ground or through the air can be a challenge for many families, especially for neurodivergent individuals, including kids with sensory needs and anyone who has special needs or neurodevelopmental challenges.

If you find yourself flying in and out of Pittsburgh International Airport, a stop in to Presley’s Place can offer a calming space for families with children to relax and decompress before or after their flight.

Opened in 2019, Presley’s Place is named for the autistic son of a Pittsburgh Airport employee who initially submitted a request to create such a space. The 1500-foot unique family suite inside the airport features a realistic airplane cabin to simulate the air travel experience and practice boarding and flying. There are private, soundproof spaces for kids (and adults) to unwind, plus a charging station and workspace.

In addition, there’s a sensory-friendly restroom with an adjustable sink.

The genesis behind this space began when Jason Rudge, a heavy equipment operator at the airport, submitted the idea for his then 4-year-old son who had benefitted from a sensory room at his preschool that helped him make it through the program.

Next, members of the Allegheny County Airport Authority team (which operates PIT) solicited valuable input and company donations, working tirelessly from start to finish to make the dream of the sensory room a reality. Since its inception, more cities in the USA, including Phoenix, Myrtle Beach, and Seattle, alongside other cities around the world, have opened similar spaces.

If you go: Presley’s Place suite is located in Concourse A. It features a calming transition foyer, another room with soft furniture for individuals and families to decompress, and individual rooms with tubes filled with bubbles and a separate calming area for adults.

Whether you’re on the hunt for suggestions to help you decompress prior to your relocation or moving day, or need added storage space in the Pittsburgh metro area, contact us at 1-800-810-2635. At George Moving & Storage, we have over 40 years of experience as Pittsburgh movers who also serve eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia, not to mention full-service corporate relocations throughout the USA. Contact us today to learn more or for a free quote.