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Sunflower lanyards/cards

M

Do you use one? 

I was pondering yesterday whether I should get one. I'm happy enough to wear a mask but I do struggle with the arrows and lines all over the floor in a lot of shops, especially if people are having a free for all. 

I'm awaiting diagnosis so haven't openly told people I am autistic (as I suppose I still may not be...) and my husband pointed out that I may be asked about it if people I know see me out and about and ask me about it.

I'm not sure what I think about that...

Parents

  • I know there is a level of controversy both in and outside the community over wearing the lanyard. There are also people who do make use of them in order to take advantage of services they aren't entitled to (I know you aren't one of them), as you are undiagnosed, it may be worth taking this into consideration as it could be seen in that light by others.

    Those on this site who do wear them, could give you some insight into the types of interactions you might have to deal with if you decided to wear one. This could help to inform your decision.

    I'm undecided myself over if I wish to wear one or not. My needs aren't many, however I do have struggles and I also like being able to use my position on my reception desk to demonstrate, that those of us who have hidden disabilities, are still more than able to function with the correct support. I've decided to wait until I have my assessment. I know I have other things like my anxiety and PTSD. I suppose I just wanted the full picture before I made the decision. 

  • in reply to Loz

    Yes, I am aware that people are abusing the system. I wonder if people would abuse me if I was clearly not wearing one to avoid mask use (I am happy to continue with mask wearing). I just think I would benefit from the potential extra patience with one way systems and tills as this is resulting in me getting very flustered if I don't know where to wait/go for my turn to pay. 

    I suppose I'm not needing access to special services as such, just a bit more time and patience with some aspects of shopping. 

    Maybe people should just be patient and polite and I wouldn't need to be worrying about this!!! 

Reply
  • in reply to Loz

    Yes, I am aware that people are abusing the system. I wonder if people would abuse me if I was clearly not wearing one to avoid mask use (I am happy to continue with mask wearing). I just think I would benefit from the potential extra patience with one way systems and tills as this is resulting in me getting very flustered if I don't know where to wait/go for my turn to pay. 

    I suppose I'm not needing access to special services as such, just a bit more time and patience with some aspects of shopping. 

    Maybe people should just be patient and polite and I wouldn't need to be worrying about this!!! 

Children
  • in reply to Loz

    Yes and these conversations are very new to me. I struggle with anxiety and can openly talk about that, but autism is something I'm still processing for myself without trying to explain it to other people. I think that answers my question!!! 

  • in reply to M

    I know, it's so frustrating isn't it? It sounds like you know the reasons you want to wear one, unfortunately I don't have the experience so it's best to hear from those who've had to deal with the public whilst wearing them.

    Your main decision may come down to how much information you wish to disclose to people. I'm always happy to talk to people as my experience with depression has shown me that some people don't understand what it really is, others may have issues of their own, but are afraid to discuss it out of fear of ridicule. I find that being open about it is also good for me. Not everyone likes to have those kinds of conversations. The lanyard may very well put you in that position.