🌻Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard 🌻



If you have a neurodiverse, intellectual, or learning disability, you've probably have heard the phrase, "you don't look like you have *insert disability name here*".  I know I have.  Since I've been more open about my autism, I have had people tell me I don't look like I have it.  For a majority of people who have autism and/or any other neurodiversity, the criteria isn't visible to the naked eye.  If you appear like you don't have a disability, then that doesn't mean you don't have it.  Anxiety doesn't have a "look" and neither does depression.  It's all about perspective.  Which is why today I want to talk about the Hidden Sunflower Disability Lanyard. Having an invisible disability is hard.  I mentioned this in yesterday's post, but leaving the house and transitioning to a brand new environment can be very difficult to do.  Going places like an airport to travel can be hard on an individual with the disability as well as the people who they are traveling with.  I want to discuss the benefits of having something like the Hidden Sunflower Disability Lanyard in use.

I got my lanyard in May of 2025 on my way from Salt Lake International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport.  I've traveled most of my life and I typically don't have a use for accommodations in airports.  I'll say this, that it is nice to have it JUST IN CASE something were to trigger me.  Having a disability can have its perks.  The Hidden Sunflower Disability Lanyard is one of them.  My lanyard was FREE!!---and they don't ask you for documentation!  It also came with a bracelet.  I wear the bracelet more than the lanyard since it's cute.  When you have an invisible disability, sometimes, being in an airport with too many people or having to follow a schedule can be overwhelming.  If you're flying to or from an airport that supports this project and you struggle with certain aspects about flying in a big airport, go get yourself a lanyard.  You'll be able to have staff who can help you who have been trained to work with people with invisible disabilities to help them ease the stress and anxiety that comes with traveling.

The Hidden Sunflower Disability Project started in Gatwick Airport in London, England in 2016.  The Accessibility Team at the Gatwick Airport put together that they were assisting 500,000+ passengers a year with a disability.  However, they noticed that some of the passengers that they were assisting had a non-recognizable disability.  This is where the whole initiative began.

I hope this company and initiative can take off even more.  The more people who know about it, the more it can grow and help those with invisible disabilities. Because we do matter just like anyone else.

What do you think of this idea an initiative?  Comment below your thoughts! 

Here is a video explaining the Hidden Sunflower Disability Company plus a link to their website:
https://hdsunflower.com/us/our-history


 If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  


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