The Ocean County Library launched their Toms River Sensory Space in 2021 inspired by community events and their homegrown Autism Resources Fair and opened their second space in 2023. Learn what worked, what didn't, and what the future holds for providing creative and thoughtful programs and services in these inspiring environments. The goal of a sensory space is to provide an environment where children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, cerebral palsy, memory loss, dementia and sensory processing disorders can feel safe and welcome. The area contains a variety of products that are visually stimulating, tactile, calming and interactive.