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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. 

Parents

  • 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. 

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  • 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. 

Children
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