Current:Home > ScamsSFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -Ascend Finance Compass
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:10:46
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! (83329)
Related
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Survival of Wild Rice Threatened by Climate Change, Increased Rainfall in Northern Minnesota
- A landmark case: In first-of-its-kind Montana climate trial, judge rules for youth activists
- Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin takes the field in first NFL game since cardiac arrest
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Pack for Your Next Vacation With Under $49 Travel Beauty Picks From Sephora Director Melinda Solares
- 2nd swimmer in a month abandons attempt to cross Lake Michigan, blames support boat problems
- How to get rid of pimples: Acne affects many people. Here's what to do about it.
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Plane crashes at Thunder Over Michigan air show; 2 people parachute from jet
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Jimmy Fallon Is the Ultimate Rockstar During Surprise Performance at Jonas Brothers Concert
- 2 dead after plane crashes into North Carolina lake, authorities say
- Utah man accused of threatening president pointed gun at agents, FBI says
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- 16 people injured after boat explodes at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri
- Mother arrested after 10-year-old found dead in garbage can at Illinois home, officials say
- A history of Hawaii's sirens and the difference it could have made against Maui fires
Recommendation
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Highest-paid QBs in the NFL: The salaries for the 42 highest paid NFL quarterbacks
Biden administration urges colleges to pursue racial diversity without affirmative action
A history of Hawaii's sirens and the difference it could have made against Maui fires
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
How dangerous climate conditions fueled Maui's devastating wildfires
Researchers identify a new pack of endangered gray wolves in California
Little League World Series 2023 games, dates, schedule, bracket