Current:Home > reviewsSFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -消息
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-11 15:32:08
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! (87)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- The EPA is proposing that 'forever chemicals' be considered hazardous substances
- A year on, a small Ohio town is recovering from a fiery train derailment but health fears persist
- As impeachment looms, Homeland Security secretary says his agency will not be distracted by politics
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- What Jersey Shore's Snooki Would Change About the Infamous Letter to Sammi Today
- Drew Barrymore Wants To Be Your Gifting Fairy Godmother Just in Time for Valentine's Day Shopping
- Here's what you need to know for 2024 US Olympic marathon trials in Orlando
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Shirtless Jason Kelce celebrating brother Travis gets Funko Pop treatment: How to get a figurine
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Lawyers for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger seek change of trial venue, citing inflammatory publicity
- With opioid deaths soaring, Biden administration will widen access to methadone
- What Jersey Shore's Snooki Would Change About the Infamous Letter to Sammi Today
- Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
- 2nd defendant pleads guilty in drive-by shootings on homes of Democratic lawmakers
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Nevada’s presidential primary and caucuses
- Recently discharged patient shoots, wounds security officer at Kansas City hospital
Recommendation
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
Ayo Edebiri, Quinta Brunson and More Black Women Already Making History in 2024
Could Biden shut down the border now? What to know about the latest immigration debate
Did Buckeye Chuck see his shadow? Ohio's groundhog declares an early spring for 2024
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
People are filming themselves getting laid off. The viral videos reveal a lot about trauma.
How to Watch the 2024 Grammys and E!'s Live From E! Red Carpet
The Best Amazon Products With 100,000+ Five-Star Ratings