Current:Home > NewsSFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -Wealth Momentum Network
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-17 06:57:18
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! (4)
Related
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Henry Cavill Shares How He's Preparing for Fatherhood
- Bryson DeChambeau wins 2024 U.S. Open with clutch finish to deny Rory McIlroy
- Pet owners face dilemma after Nationwide drops 100,000 insurance policies
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- German police shot a man allegedly threatening them with an ax in Euro 2024 host city Hamburg
- Crazy weather week coming to the US: From searing heat to snow. Yes, snow.
- US military targets Houthi radar sites in Yemen after a merchant sailor goes missing
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Justin Timberlake Celebrates Father's Day With Rare Photos of His and Jessica Biel's Sons
Ranking
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- University of Michigan didn’t assess if Israel-Hamas war protests made environment hostile, feds say
- Bryson DeChambeau wins another U.S. Open with a clutch finish to deny Rory McIlroy
- Doubling Down with the Derricos’ Deon and Karen Derrico Break Up After 19 Years of Marriage
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Missouri woman's conviction for a murder her lawyers say a police officer committed overturned after 43 years
- Charles Barkley announces retirement from broadcasting: Next year is going to be my last year on television
- Northeast and Midwest prepare for dangerously hot temperatures and heat dome
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Mookie Betts has left hand fracture after being hit by pitch in Dodgers' win over Royals
Extreme heat is getting worse. Can we learn to live with it? | The Excerpt
7 shot when gunfire erupts at a pop-up party in Massachusetts
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
German police shot a man allegedly threatening them with an ax in Euro 2024 host city Hamburg
Spoilers: Why that 'House of the Dragon' murder went too far
Rachel Morin Murder Case: Suspect Arrested in Connection to Maryland Woman's Death