Current:Home > MySFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -TradeGrid
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-14 19:18:04
The San Francisco International Airport has introduced a new sensory room designed to give neurodivergent travelers some relief from flying jitters.
Airports are a whirlwind of activity: long lines, blaring announcements and the never-ending stream of travelers racing to their gates.
While most take it in stride, for 29-year-old Nico Ambata, it's always been a little too much.
"It took my wife three years of convincing me to finally go on vacation," he said.
Ambata has debilitating ADHD. For him, the unpredictability of flying isn't just stressful; it's paralyzing.
"I like to explain that I have a million channels playing in my head at the same time," he said.
But this time, Ambata and his wife Jhasmine are taking their first step at conquering the chaos of travel. They've boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport. Or least it seems that way.
With two rows of seats, overhead bins and even working lights, the cabin simulator is the centerpiece of SFO's new sensory room designed for neurodivergent travelers looking to ease their feelings of nervousness over flying.
Christopher Birch, SFO's Guest Experience Director, said the $1.2 million space includes soundproof walls, dim lighting, and sensory tools to help travelers decompress before their flight.
"The reason to do this is almost like a rehearsal," he said. "To go through the boarding and the sitting process before you actually do it and to give a sense of familiarity when the time comes to actually board the airplane."
Airports across the country are dedicated spaces for neurodivergent travelers. While anyone can enjoy them, they're designed for those who need it most. Jono and Marie Miller were using the room with their two boys, 8-year-old Will and 10-year-old Johnny, who are on the spectrum.
"Just letting kids know what to expect helps with that transition a lot and probably helps to not have so many meltdowns," Marie Miller said.
As for Ambata, the space is all he needed to feel grounded.
"I'm ready," he said.
The sensory room is located at SFO's Harvey Milk Terminal, but can be accessed from all areas of the airport.
- In:
- San Francisco International Airport
- Psychology
- San Francisco
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (3651)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Philadelphia mass transit users face fare hikes of more than 20% and possible service cuts
- College Football Fix podcast addresses curious CFP rankings and previews Week 12
- John Krasinski is People's Sexiest Man Alive. What that says about us.
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- Wildfires burn on both coasts. Is climate change to blame?
- Maine elections chief who drew Trump’s ire narrates House tabulations in livestream
- Record-setting dry conditions threaten more US wildfires, drinking water supplies
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Daniele Rustioni to become Metropolitan Opera’s principal guest conductor
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Just Eat Takeaway sells Grubhub for $650 million, just 3 years after buying the app for $7.3 billion
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- McDonald's Version: New Bestie Bundle meals celebrate Swiftie friendship bracelets
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- At age 44, Rich Hill's baseball odyssey continues - now with Team USA
- Infowars auction could determine whether Alex Jones is kicked off its platforms
- FanDuel Sports Network regional channels will be available as add-on subscription on Prime Video
Recommendation
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
Larry Hobbs, who guided AP’s coverage of Florida news for decades, has died at 83
'Full House' star Dave Coulier diagnosed with stage 3 cancer
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Mississippi governor intent on income tax cut even if states receive less federal money
Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
Former West Virginia jail officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in fatal assault on inmate