Sunflower lanyard

That's terrible, I feel stressed out and panicky just reading about Ellie, probably best to cope as best I can without it I don't want any confrontation

It's worth being aware that you won't necessarily be directed to a faster channel due to wearing the lanyard.

Manchester Airport recently changed its policy for lanyard wearers (as reflected in the page that you linked to).

Whether due to initial confusion among staff or perhaps an even tighter original new policy, an autistic lady was recently denied access to it.

The airport now says: 

"The Sunflower lanyard now offers access to all lanes at departure security, in addition to our Family and Assisted Travel lane.

All channels at departure security offer next-generation security screening, offering a quicker, quieter and more customer-friendly process for all passengers. Security colleagues have hidden disability awareness training and will assist you with any questions that you may have while passing through the security process."

Manchester Evening News - Manchester Airport’s message to passengers wearing sunflower lanyard

I find it essentially when I've been in local hospitals, especially in A&E. It's part of my survival kit along with the noise cancelling headphones and dark glasses. It doesn't guarantee recognition or any action, but is better than nothing.

I have not used a lanyard in an airport- i have opted for special assistance. I needed it because primarily I had another condition that affected my physical mobility to. It sounds like a lanyard may be at least good for dealing with social interaction for you-the crowds. I think most people find the buzz of airports difficult. Not all autistic people may find it more difficult as they may have no sensory needs. Perhaps you can find out if you do from your score sheet if you have one. It will come under sensory.  If you have some issues caused by autism being in a airport then you shouldn't feel guilty by wearing a lanyard.

I tried wearing mine in Edinburgh airport, but it did nothing. I was hoping it would get some attention so I could get help for my son's knee, but the only time it got a comment was being told to take it off for the scanner and being subject to a search as I'd left a tissue in my pocket. 

People in the NHS, government offices, hospitality and retail are quite often trained to recognise the sunflower symbol. It has quite a large-scale campaign behind it. Personally, I would tend to wear it anywhere that I might feel intimidated by bureaucratic complexity or have reason to apprehend having a sensory reaction.

Get the lanyard - actually when I first tried they had run out of lanyards so was given a card instead - then, as you go towards the queue there will be someone on duty; make sure they can see the lanyard or show them the card and they will show you which entrance to go down to join the higher assistance queue.

I'm curious, in what other circumstances would you wear it and how would reps from the organisation concerned know about it?

Thanks Martin. I'll test it tomorrow then. So do you just walk through the fast lane or do you have have to engage with someone from security first ?

You can ask for the loan of a lanyard at the desk. I bought my own online. I have used it at Manchester airport and it took about a quarter of the usual time in queuing for the security check, as you use a separate, shorter, queue. Well worth it, in my opinion. In my experience you just have to say that you have a non-obvious disability, no flourishing of diagnoses is required. I did say that I was in fact autistic.

If you'd feel too anxious about requesting one, you can buy your own - even a personalised one, if you prefer - direct from The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. They also offer more discreet options than lanyards, all still featuring its official sunflower logo and including:

- Chest ribbon
- Pin badge
- Embroidered patch
- Wristbands
- Bag tag

Hidden Disabilities - Shop > All wearer products

I wear each of these at different times. I've had some compliments, in particular, about my chest ribbon (which has always still been recognised as relating to the scheme).

I last wore my lanyard yesterday, and was treated with kindness at the venue we were visiting.