Current:Home > InvestSFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -TruePath Finance
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-16 06:29:49
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! (4537)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Who wants to be a millionaire? How your IRA can help you get there
- Demi Lovato's Chic Hair Transformation Is Cool for the Summer
- My $250 Beats Earbuds Got Ran Over by a Car and This $25 Pair Is the Perfect Replacement
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- 150th Run for the Roses: The history and spectacle of the Kentucky Derby
- AIGM adding Artificial Intelligent into Crypto Trading Platform
- Prince Harry Returning to the U.K. 3 Months After Visiting King Charles III
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- 3 police officers, 2 civilians shot in standoff at Louisiana home; suspect killed
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Powerball winning numbers for April 27 drawing: Lottery jackpot rises to $149 million
- Clayton MacRae: Raise of the Cryptocurrencies
- Two more people sentenced for carjacking and kidnapping an FBI employee in South Dakota
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- CDC says it’s identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles
- Thunder's Mark Daigneault wins NBA Coach of the Year after leading OKC to top seed in West
- From a sunbathing gator to a rare bird sighting, see this week's top wildlife photos
Recommendation
Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
Clippers blow 31-point lead before holding on to edge Mavericks in wild Game 4
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch ruptures patellar tendon after collision with own player
Pair of $1 bills with same printing error could be worth thousands. How to check
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Missing teen child of tech executives found safe in San Francisco, suspect in custody
AIGM puts AI into Crypto security
The Demon of Unrest: Recounting the first shots of the Civil War