Sunflower lanyard

I have one and wear it for medical procedures at the hospital.

Alexa said:

If so, do you find people you show it to take notice?

That's not my experience.

Even when wearing it is rare (once) to be asked what it's for and that's only because the nurse asked me if I worked at the hospital as part of a group with similar lanyards.

When I explained that this wasn't the case (and had to explain to her that it's for invisible disabilities - ie the sunflower) she later asked me what my disability is, even though I'd written it on the medical form that she had read.

I've had these responses from doctors when I volunteered my diagnosis, not because they noticed my lanyard:

'You don't look autistic' 

and 

'your autism must be mild'.

I've had 2 people talking to me at the same time whilst on the bed for an endoscopy and had to shout at them for one of them to shut up and point out that I'm autistic.

Sorry, I despair, and held off sharing this, but it's my real NHS experience.

I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience with that nurse. The scheme is officially supported by some NHS trusts, including mine. Perhaps it hasn't been, yet, in yours? Or the nurse hadn't receiving training? The doctors sound appalling!  [horror / scream]

I think an experience like that is one that I'd personally enjoy (as a form of advocacy) sending some strong feedback about, in one of the seemingly endless number of surveys that I keep getting asked to complete, after my appointments! (To be clear, by the way, that's NOT me trying to imply or suggest that you should have done that).

This is an example of how one NHS Trust describes what to expect from its membership:

"Our trust is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

Introduced by our Disability Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, the Sunflower scheme enables patients with a non-visible (hidden) disability to collect a free Sunflower lanyard or badge from PALS in the Main Atrium at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Wearing a Sunflower lanyard or badge is a discreet way for patients to indicate that they may need additional support, understanding, or more time during their visit. Staff who see the Sunflower symbol are encouraged to offer help in a respectful and considerate way."

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust - Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

I'd like to think that most people who are aware of the scheme consider it most polite not to ask what, specifically, it relates to (unless needed, of course). And perhaps also to avoid making a big deal of having seen it, but instead just focus on making an extra effort to be compassionate, patient, and understanding.

I'm glad and relieved to say that I've had the opposite personal experience - including being complimented on my ribbon badge as a lovely alternative option to the lanyard (showing me they knew exactly what it was), and being offered help by a stranger in the lobby of a hospital that was new to me, as I arrived and stopped in the middle, looking confused. I feel sure that's because I was wearing my lanyard, and he'd recognised it. He'd already made it to the doors on his way out, but turned around and came back inside to offer to help me. I was shocked, but in such a nice way. As far as I know, he wasn't even a staff member.

I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience with that nurse. The scheme is officially supported by some NHS trusts, including mine. Perhaps it hasn't been, yet, in yours? Or the nurse hadn't receiving training? The doctors sound appalling!  [horror / scream]

I think an experience like that is one that I'd personally enjoy (as a form of advocacy) sending some strong feedback about, in one of the seemingly endless number of surveys that I keep getting asked to complete, after my appointments! (To be clear, by the way, that's NOT me trying to imply or suggest that you should have done that).

This is an example of how one NHS Trust describes what to expect from its membership:

"Our trust is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

Introduced by our Disability Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, the Sunflower scheme enables patients with a non-visible (hidden) disability to collect a free Sunflower lanyard or badge from PALS in the Main Atrium at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Wearing a Sunflower lanyard or badge is a discreet way for patients to indicate that they may need additional support, understanding, or more time during their visit. Staff who see the Sunflower symbol are encouraged to offer help in a respectful and considerate way."

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust - Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

I'd like to think that most people who are aware of the scheme consider it most polite not to ask what, specifically, it relates to (unless needed, of course). And perhaps also to avoid making a big deal of having seen it, but instead just focus on making an extra effort to be compassionate, patient, and understanding.

I'm glad and relieved to say that I've had the opposite personal experience - including being complimented on my ribbon badge as a lovely alternative option to the lanyard (showing me they knew exactly what it was), and being offered help by a stranger in the lobby of a hospital that was new to me, as I arrived and stopped in the middle, looking confused. I feel sure that's because I was wearing my lanyard, and he'd recognised it. He'd already made it to the doors on his way out, but turned around and came back inside to offer to help me. I was shocked, but in such a nice way. As far as I know, he wasn't even a staff member.

Thankyou.