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Sunflower lanyard

Wib

I‘m debating getting a sunflower lanyard after doing some research. I struggle in my day to day life with various sensory issues and in public spaces I could do with people being mindful that I have a hidden disability (autism) and exercise patience and not assume that I’m being rude in certain social situations. I‘m also considering wearing one for my new job as I will be in a public facing role. I feel this may be beneficial for me as I know some of my autistic traits can be taken the wrong way by neurotypical folk so maybe having the lanyard would help with this especially as I only just got my autism diagnosis and I’m not confident with disclosing it to most people. I thought I would ask here people’s experience with using the lanyard as some first hand accounts may help with it it will be a useful tool for me. 

  • I wish they did one that said 'I am neurodiverse' to avoid potential prejudice or the bias from stigma.

  • I have a sunflower lanyard, Alert/I.C.E card, and a card from the NAS to be used with police/emergency services. I've worn the lanyard a few times, but never had to use the cards.Since the falls I've not been out on my own. My daughter has a key to my flat,so that usually gets used . Rather than my keys that are attached to the lanyard.

  • I found it helps me, I tend to keep my earplugs (loops), communication cards and a fidget toy on there. You also don’t have to wear one the card part where it says you’re autistic if you’re not ready to disclose yourself in public but it’s also ok to do so too. 

    People tend to help me more like at shops or travelling when I need help or also give me more space when needed in public.

  • I use a sunflower lanyard. I sometimes semi jokingly refer to it as the 'be nice lanyard' which is basically what it does. It leads to people being much more patient with me, and not expecting me to do things as they feel a 20 something year old 'should do'. On trains and in airports it explains why I'm visibly stressed so people don't feel the need to call security, and the staff are very helpful. People seem more willing to answer what they might see as obvious questions but are important to me.

    Equally when I'm overwhelmed it helps me get more suitable help. I had a small meltdown on the train when by myself due to a series of delays and cancellations in my onward journey and the conductor didn't talk to me as he might do if I was obviously distressed and not wearing a lanyard, and when I was a bit more coherent he asked if I needed help which I did and helped me find the best route to take home as a plan B. 

    I also notice when I don't wear it people get cross with me much more, about being slow or rude when I don't make eye contact or talk to them, such as in shops when I'm not super speedy with self checkout or on buses. 

  • I have used the sunflower lanyard a couple of times. Once was in an airport, which helped me get through security quicker as I was able to use the assistance lane, and also board first on the airplane. 
    The second time was in the Lego house in Billund, and I didn’t really feel I needed to wear it as the venue was all very accessible with quite zones etc, so I ended up taking off the lanyard. 

    I think they are useful depending on where you’re going. Most places now have had specific training for recognising the lanyard. 

  • I haven't used a sunflower lanyard. I did use a mask exemption badge during the covid period when going into shops, but the only badge holders I could get were on plain black lanyards. Staff were very kind and helpful when they saw it though.