Current:Home > MyPoinbank Exchange|SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters -CapitalWay
Poinbank Exchange|SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-06 16:02:34
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! (9977)
Related
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Pair of massive great white sharks surface off Florida coast within a minute of each other
- We Found the 24 Best Travel Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024: 57% off Luggage & More
- Shop 39 Kyle Richards-Approved Must-Haves Up to 50% Off During the Amazon Big Spring Sale
- Small twin
- Refresh and Rejuvenate With 20 Self-Care Deals From the Amazon Big Spring Sale Starting at $5
- Here's How Jamie Lee Curtis Reacted To Chef José Andrés' Kitchen Mishap While Filming For His New Show
- Republican Mike Boudreaux advances to special election to complete term of ousted Speaker McCarthy
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Kelly Ripa's Trainer Anna Kaiser Invites You Inside Her Fun Workouts With Daughter Lola Consuelos
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Mega Millions jackpot approaching $1 billion: 5 prior times lottery game has made billionaires
- Man pleads guilty in fatal kidnapping of 2-year-old Michigan girl in 2023
- Memorial at site of deadliest landslide in US history opens on 10th anniversary
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Former Georgia insurance commissioner John Oxendine pleads guilty to health care fraud
- Riley Strain Dead at 22: Police Detail What Led to Discovery of Missing Student
- Former Georgia insurance commissioner John Oxendine pleads guilty to health care fraud
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Elena Larrea, Social Media Influencer and Animal Activist, Dead at 31
Deaths of dog walker, 83, and resident of a remote cabin possibly tied to escaped Idaho inmate
The Daily Money: Why scammers are faking obituaries
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Selena Gomez & David Henrie Have Magical Reunion in First Look at Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel
Vanessa Hudgens’ Clay Mask Works in Just 4 Minutes: Get it for 35% Off During the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Kate Middleton Diagnosed With Cancer: Revisiting Her Health Journey