The sunflower lanyard: a parent’s guide to easier outings with a neurodivergent child

Taking a neurodivergent child out into a busy public place can be hard. Crowds, noise, queues and unfamiliar routines can turn a simple outing into an ordeal. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard won’t solve all of that, but it can make things a bit more manageable. Here is what it is, how it works, and how to get the most out of it.

What is the sunflower lanyard?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, often called the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, was introduced at Gatwick Airport in 2016. It is a discreet way for people with non-visible disabilities to let staff and the public know they may need a little extra time, support or patience.

Over the past decade, its reputation has been mixed. Although the scheme was created with good intentions, some people wore it during the pandemic simply to avoid wearing a face mask. That left a negative association, and some people still hesitate to wear the lanyard because of it

It is recognised at participating airports and other locations in the UK and internationally, yet plenty of people still don’t know how it can help.

Who can wear a sunflower lanyard?

There is no qualifying list, and in the UK you generally don’t need proof or a formal diagnosis. People wear one for autism, ADHD, anxiety, hearing or vision loss, epilepsy, learning disabilities and many other conditions. It is entirely voluntary: if you feel it would help you or your child, it is for you.

Explain the symbol to your child in a way they can understand and involve them in the choice. They do not have to wear it to deserve support.

What does the green sunflower lanyard actually do?

First, the important caveat: it is not a fast-track pass, and it does not give you a legal entitlement or special privileges. Wearing it does not automatically grant access to particular services or priority queues.

What it does is signal to people around you that you may need support. In places where staff are trained to recognise it, such as airports, train stations, museums, hospitals, shops, libraries, stadiums and concert venues, they can:

• Ask how they can help, rather than guessing what you need.
• Give you more time to communicate, process information or complete a task.
• Offer practical adjustments where possible, such as a quieter space, clearer explanations, help navigating a busy area or extra reassurance.
• Recognise that you may need support without making you disclose a diagnosis or explain your condition.
• People nearby may also respond with more understanding.

For example, a child who finds hand dryers overwhelming may need help finding a quieter toilet. When your child uses a disabled toilet cubicle, the lanyard helps people understand why. It works the same way when you need a priority seat on public transport.

The lanyard can help communicate that there is a non-visible need, although you may still need to explain what would help.

How the sunflower lanyard can help at the airport

Airports are where the scheme is best known, and where it can make the biggest difference. Depending on the airport and airline, you can ask about:

• An assisted or family lane at security and passport control, where available. The lanyard itself does not guarantee access, especially when the airport is extremely busy.
• Early or separate boarding, depending on the airline’s arrangements and your child’s needs.
• Extra help at security checkpoints, which is especially useful when children don’t want to take off backpacks or hand over tablets and headphones. Staff may offer clearer explanations and more time to prepare, but normal security requirements still apply.

Some airports also offer door-to-gate escorts and sensory or quiet rooms for neurodivergent people and others with hidden disabilities. Gatwick, for example, has a free quiet room in the North Terminal, airside near the gates (after security). Check current access arrangements with the airport’s Assisted Travel team before your trip.

Don’t rely on the lanyard alone

Support isn’t guaranteed. To make sure your child gets the help they need:

1. Request special assistance when you book your flights.
2. Call the airport ahead of your trip to ask what is available. Check connecting and arrival airports too, as arrangements vary.
3. Explain exactly what your child needs at the special assistance desk when you arrive.

A simple way to explain your child’s needs

Important

The lanyard is more than a visual signal. It is also a handy communication tool, especially if you attach an information card. For example: “Please give me extra time to respond,” “I use a communication device,” or “I cannot stand for long periods.” You do not need to list a diagnosis.

This helps most when your child’s condition is hard to explain quickly or if speaking becomes difficult during an overwhelming moment.

Where to get a sunflower lanyard

You can buy one from the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, or pick one up for free at many participating locations.

These include some NHS hospitals, airports (ask at the information desk), railway stations (ask at the assisted travel desk or station office), councils, and some supermarkets, such as Tesco or Sainsbury’s, depending on the location and availability.

In the UK, you generally don’t need to show any proof or medical documentation.

What does the white sunflower lanyard mean?

Important

You may also see a sunflower lanyard with a white background instead of green. This is the supporter lanyard.

Rather than signalling a hidden disability, it shows that the wearer is an informed ally, volunteer or staff member who is ready to offer patience, time and practical support. If you see someone wearing one, you can ask them for help, although the lanyard alone does not confirm that they are staff or trained.

Making the lanyard work for your child

Your child doesn’t have to wear it all the time, and that’s fine, because lanyards can feel itchy. You can simply clip it to a bag or keep it in a pocket or bag and bring it out when a situation gets harder.

A visible sunflower is a gentle reminder for people to be kind and patient, and for a family in a busy public place, that can help a lot.