Current:Home > MySFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -CapitalEdge
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
View
Date:2025-04-18 05:44:36
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! (14)
Related
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Look Back on Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart's Relationship History
- Timeline: The Trump investigation in Fulton County, Georgia
- Dwyane Wade shares secret of his post-NBA success on eve of Hall of Fame induction
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Tennessee agents investigate the death of a man in Memphis police custody
- Illinois doctor arrested after allegedly recording female employees using the restroom
- In Maui, a desperate search for the missing; Lahaina warned of 'toxic' ash: Live updates
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Skull found at Arizona preserve identified as belonging to missing Native American man
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Watch: Astros' Jon Singleton goes yard twice for first MLB home runs since 2015
- What does Georgia spend on 'Kirby Copter' for coach's recruiting? It's not cheap.
- Classes still off early next week in Kentucky’s largest school district due to bus schedule mess
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Winning Time Los Angeles Lakers Style Guide: 24 Must-Shop Looks
- Kentucky school district rushes to fix bus route snarl that canceled classes and outraged parents
- Recall: 860,000 Sensio pressure cookers recalled because of burn hazard
Recommendation
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
GBI investigating after 62-year-old man dies in Atlanta Police custody
Former foster children win $7M settlement after alleging state turned blind eye to abuse
Niger’s junta gains upper hand over regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Nevada election-fraud crusader drops US lawsuit under threat of sanctions; presses on in state court
West Virginia University outlines proposed program and faculty cuts
Activist in Niger with ties to junta tells the AP region needs to ‘accept new regime’ or risk war