Current:Home > ScamsSFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -FundGuru
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-08 12:07:58
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! (52222)
Related
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- A man diagnosed with schizophrenia awaits sentencing after fatally stabbing 3 in the UK last year
- Applebee's customers feel stood up after Date Night Passes sell out in 30 seconds
- J.Crew’s Extra 60% off Sale Features Elevated Staples & Statement Pieces, Starting at $9
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Two Virginia men claim $1 million prizes from New Year's raffle
- Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson suspended 25 games for violating NBA's Anti-Drug Program
- Wisconsin Republicans make last-ditch effort to pass new legislative maps
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- See the full list of Oscar nominations for 2024 Academy Awards
Ranking
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Appeals court rejects Trump’s bid to reconsider gag order in the election interference case
- 3 people arrested in the Netherlands on suspicion of violating EU sanctions with exports to Russia
- Filipino fisherman to Chinese coast guard in disputed shoal: `This is not your territory. Go away.’
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Ali Krieger Details Feeling Broken After Ashlyn Harris Breakup
- Arkansas abortion ban may be scaled back, if group can collect enough signatures
- Wisconsin Republicans make last-ditch effort to pass new legislative maps
Recommendation
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
San Diegans cry, hug, outside damaged homes after stunning flash floods in normally balmy city
Grand jury indicts farmworker charged in Northern California mass shootings
Singer Chris Young charged for resisting arrest, disorderly conduct amid bar outing
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
The Best Comfy & Chic Work Clothes To Upgrade Your Office Looks
Spanish police arrest suspect in killing of 3 siblings over debts reportedly linked to romance scam
Chanel’s spring couture show is a button-inspired ballet on the Paris runway