San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has opened a new sensory room designed to provide a calming and familiar experience for neurodivergent travelers. The room features a cabin simulator, soundproof walls, dim lighting, and sensory tools to help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with air travel.
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, or at least it seems that way. With two rows of seats, overhead bins and even working lights, it's a cabin simulator, the centerpiece of SFO's new sensory room designed for neurodivergent travelers looking to ease some of those flying jitters. 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, like Jono and Marie Miller, whose two boys, 8-year-old Will and 10-year-old Johnny 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,' she said. As for Ambata, this space is all he needed to feel, well, 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
SENSORY ROOM AIRPORTS NEURODIVERGENT TRAVELERS ADHD AIR TRAVEL STRESS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Waymo and SFO's Driverless Plans Take a TurnA Waymo driverless car sank into wet cement at Laguna Honda Hospital, highlighting the ongoing challenges of autonomous vehicle technology. Meanwhile, a proposed permit for mapping SFO roads for driverless cars was abruptly canceled, despite previous discussions and a standing meeting between Waymo and SFO officials.
Read more »
Man pleads guilty to sexually assaulting fellow passenger on SFO-bound flightRajesh Kumar Kapoor, 57, of Sacramento, faces up to two years in prison when he is sentenced on March 27.
Read more »
Air New Zealand SFO flight surprises passengers with Christmas party aboard planePassengers on the Air New Zealand flight flying out of San Francisco were in for a surprise on their journey to Auckland.
Read more »
Man who groped woman on international SFO-bound flight pleads guiltyA man aboard a San Francisco-bound flight from South Korea pleaded guilty to sexual assault of another passenger, federal officials said Monday.
Read more »
Sensory Garden Offers Refuge for Dementia PatientsA sensory garden at Bristol Royal Infirmary's Heart Institute provides a calming and engaging space for people living with dementia. Local charity Alive uses the garden to offer dementia-friendly gardening sessions, which have a profound positive impact on patients' mental and emotional well-being.
Read more »
San Francisco SPCA Offers Free Puppy Adoptions to Make Room for Wildfire EvacueesThe San Francisco SPCA is providing free adoptions for puppies to accommodate animals displaced by wildfires in Southern California. The shelter is expecting 30 dogs and cats from the affected areas and is calling on volunteers to help foster animals.
Read more »