Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards: How to get a free autism lanyard and 8 reasons your autistic child should wear it.
Updated: 2 minutes ago
You may have seen children or adults wearing a distinctive green lanyard printed with sunflowers around their neck. This is a hidden disability lanyard, and it can be worn by anyone, including children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or epilepsy.
It is designed to let other people know your child has a hidden disability and you may need more help, support, or time to process a situation.
Alongside our National Disability Card (read more in our dedicated National Disability Card guide), the sunflower lanyard acts as our passport to accessing travel and activities outside of the house.
💡 Quick Summary:
Can you get a free lanyard by post?
While you can pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard completely free in person at most major airports, train stations, and participating retailers, the official store does not mail individual free lanyards directly to residential addresses by post.
If you want to get your hands on one before your vacation to help your child get familiar with it, you have two simple options:
🌻 Order Securely Online: You can cheaply buy an Official Safe Kids Lanyard* or the teen / adult Official Lanyard with ID Card* directly from the official Hidden Disabilities store on Amazon to ensure total peace of mind before you leave home.
✈️ Collect One Free at Your Terminal: If you prefer to collect a free one at the airport on your travel day, scroll straight down to our UK Airport Directory below for more information on special assistance at each location
US Readers: Travelling in the US? Order the Autism Lanyard via Amazon US here instead*.
If You or Your Child Has Epilepsy
An adult or child with epilepsy can choose to wear the hidden disability sunflower lanyard, or perhaps the purple epilepsy specific lanyard. It depends on how much information you want to share with staff and other members of the public.
For more information on this specific hidden disability please read my dedicated article: Travelling With Autistic Children Who Have Epilepsy: A Guide to Safe Family Travel
About the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard was created in 2016 and launched in Gatwick Airport in the May of that year. The lanyard was originally designed to help airport staff identify passengers that may need additional help while travelling / transiting through the airport.
The Sunflower Lanyard is accepted internationally
It was such a success that the scheme was rolled out across all major UK airports over the next three years. It is now used across society both in the UK and abroad, including at attractions, supermarkets, GP surgeries, the NHS, museums, galleries, libraries and other transport providers. Millions have now been distributed to people all over the world.
Inclusive and Accessible
The lanyard can be worn by anyone, you do not have to prove to anyone that you are disabled, and there is no list of included conditions or diagnoses. If you or your child would like people to know that you have a hidden disability, then you can wear one.
You can also wear a lanyard if your child has epilepsy. For more information on this topic read our dedicated parent guide: Travelling Safely With Autistic Children Who Also Have Epilepsy
Visiting to London Soon?
The sunflower lanyard is accepted by major transport links and venues throughout London. Make sure to read our tried-and-tested Top 10 London Attractions for Autistic Kids - for top tips on which locations recognised our sunflower lanyard. 🎡
🚄 Want to Explore Europe by Rail
Read our Guide to Eurostar Special Assistance for Autism from London to see exactly how we used our sunflower lanyards to bypass long holiday queues!
Why Consider a Sunflower Lanyard for Your Autistic / ADHD child?
Both of our boys are neurodivergent, and it is not always obvious to passers-by that they have a hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD.
We first discovered the lanyard in 2023 when we booked airport special assistance for a flight departing from Gatwick. At first, neither we nor the boys were sure about wearing it. It seemed so bright, and we worried it would make us stand out in a way that felt uncomfortable.
It didn't take long for us to completely change our minds! The boys now love wearing them, and we take our lanyards with us wherever we go.
Why the Sunflower Lanyard Works for Our Neurodivergent Boys:
The Built-In Fidget Clip:
A huge design win is the clip at the bottom of the lanyard.
You can easily attach a favourite chewy toy, sensory toggle, or fidget tool directly to it so it is always within your child's reach. We clip our children's favourite Chewbuddy Oral Chewable* directly to their clip to keep it off dirty airport floors.
Parent Advocacy:
Getting a sunflower lanyard for your child is a powerful form of advocacy and statement of acceptance.
Remember, if your child is sensory-sensitive and dislikes things around their neck, you can wear it on their behalf to signal their needs to staff.
Read on to discover the 8 most important reasons why this simple lanyard will transform your next family holiday.
8 reasons why you or your child should wear a sunflower lanyard if they are autistic or have ADHD
Gives Staff a Gentle, Visual Heads-Up
It lets those around you know that your child may find interactions with new people or environments more difficult than others. We have found that venue staff are more likely to give us time and space to do what we need to do for our children, without us having to ask for it.
Reduces Stress in Healthcare Settings
GPs, hospitals, dentists etc are all places that autistic kids may feel extra stressed. Spotting the lanyard makes it clear to staff that your child will need extra support - allowing them to adapt their communication or interactions to help your child stay calm and receptive.
Travelling to Europe - Have you got your GHIC yet?
For European travel, securing free family medical cover is vital - and you can do this through the UK Government GHIC Scheme. Read our comprehensive UK GHIC Guide for Parents with Autistic and ADHD kids to learn how to easily apply for your free card and protect pre-existing conditions including autism and ADHD abroad.
Empowers Workers to Assist You
Workers are often trained to recognise the lanyards and know why people wear them. They will feel more confident about starting a conversation with you, and it makes it easier for you to ask for help or explain what adjustments your child might need.
Provides Confidence in Long Queues
It gives us as parents the confidence to ask to use the disabled access queue / or move to the front of a queue. This is a game changer at entrances to tourist attractions. museums, galleries etc.
Parent Pro-Tip: Proof of Disability
We always carry our official proof of disability, such as the National Hidden Disability Card and the Access Card, but because of the visible lanyard, we are rarely ever asked to pull them out.
Reduces Judgement from Passers-by
Meltdowns in public spaces can be incredibly stressful. We have found that other people are less likely to view our children as badly behaved - the sunflower lanyard signifies that there is more going on in the moment then they realise.
Connects You with the Neurodivergent Community
It regularly starts positive conversations with other parents. It is not unusual for other mums or dads to reach out and say something like... "I see your son is wearing the sunflowers, is he autistic? My daughter / grandson etc... is as well."
Access to Dedicated Airport Queues
Many airports (like Gatwick) now have a dedicated passport queue for people wearing the sunflower lanyard. This can be helpful if this part of the journey is difficult for your child and they would benefit from greater understanding. It is not a skip the queue pass, but they will try to process you through as quickly as they can.
I think this last point is the most important one:
Instils Pride and Self-Advocacy in Our Kids
Encouraging our autistic children to wear the sunflower lanyard instils in them the belief that they should never be ashamed or afraid to ask for extra support or help. Wearing the lanyard validates their right to be included and lets them know that it is ok to expect society to make reasonable adjustments (normally in terms of attitude, language and behaviour) to enable to them to participate in activities or access services.
Our Vetted Travel Sensory Survival Gear
Along with our sunflower lanyard and national disability cards there are also a number of essential sensory items we always pack when travelling, particularly on busy public transport.
Having them close to hand has kept more than one meltdown at bay, helping everyone to stay calm and regulated throughout the journey!
🌻 Free Download: The "Don't Leave Home Without It" Checklist
Getting ready to travel? Why not print out our free template from our resource store. Check off your essentials, and tape it to your front door so you never accidentally leave your passports, disability lanyards, or essential travel medications behind.
🛍️ Download the Free Packing Checklist (£0.00)
🎒 What goes inside our bags? Read our companion guide for the 10 Essential Items Every Neurodivergent Family Should Pack and see exactly what sensory gear we keep close at hand during travel.
Our Family's Favourite Sensory Items:
🎧Noise Defence (The Best Pair We've Found)
Ear defenders are absolute non-negotiables for blocking out piercing transport screeching, echoing airport terminals, and high-stimulus attractions.
We purchased our Alpine Muffy Kids Ear Defenders via Amazon* over three years ago and they are still going strong. They are durable, comfortable, and we never leave the house without them packed in our daypack.
📿Safe Oral Stimming (The Collar and Cuff Chewing Fix)
A key early sign that our boys are getting anxious is when they start chewing on their t-shirt collars or jumper cuffs. To protect their clothes and lower their stress levels in dense crowds, we always offer them an official Chewbuddy Oral Chewable via Amazon* in their favourite colour.
They can hold it or attach it directly to their sunflower lanyard, providing an instant, durable, and safe oral stimming outlet to help them self-regulate on the move.
🧩Tactile Distraction (Buying Vital Extra Time)
The moment our boys' waiting tolerance starts hitting its limit, we know it is time to deploy the fidget packs. Before we leave the house, we ask the boys to pre-fill their favorite pencil case with a selection of small tactile toys from this Mini Fidget Toy Travel Set via Amazon*.
Having their familiar toys close at hand keeps restless bodies busy, brings a smile to their faces, and buys us that vital extra time to clear a slow-moving queue or ticket booth!
🪻Scented Aromatherapy Tools
This filled 100% cotton William Morris inspired Lavender Sachet via Amazon* is a great choice if you want to avoid plastics, my eldest finds it super calming.
Where can I get a sunflower lanyard or autism lanyard for myself or my child in the UK or US?
Sunflower lanyards are available from a wide variety of public places, transport hubs, and online sources.
Whether you are searching for a free autism lanyard in the UK or navigating travel rules in the US, the official Hidden Disabilities scheme operates similarly across both regions. You can easily find them at participating airports, major supermarkets, and transit hubs globally.
Here is how you can secure one for your next family holiday:
Pick One Up For Free in Person
Many venues, attractions, and major transport providers who sign up for the Sunflower scheme distribute the lanyards completely free of charge.
Special Assistance Desks: You can easily pick one up at the customer service or special assistance desks at most major UK airports and train stations.
The Official Map: The Hidden Disabilities (HD) Sunflower website features an interactive map to help you locate local venues, supermarkets, and libraries near you that hand them out.
Order Securely Online for Peace of Mind Before You Travel
We've found it can be helpful to introduce your child to the lanyard before you begin your journey, so they have the chance to wear it for the first time when they feel relaxed and comfortable. You can also build it into pre-journey planning and visual stories.
It is very easy to buy the autism lanyard from the Official Hidden Disabilities Store on Amazon UK* - these are internationally accepted and recognized by security staff across most travel and tourist settings. You can buy either a small lanyard (70cm) or a full sized lanyard (85cm).
US Readers: Travelling in the US? Order the Autism Lanyard via Amazon US here instead*.
Premium Comfort Upgrade - The Official "Sunny" Small Lanyard Set:
For younger children or those who find soft textures help them cope with transitions during travel, we highly recommend the Official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard with Sunny Plush Companion*.
Rather than a standard flat strap, this official child lanyard set features a lovely ultra-soft, weighted plush sunflower charm that acts as a discreet soft-touch tool to help lower anxiety during stressful queues.
Crucially, this lanyard is available in a tailored small (70cm) size designed specifically for children, ensuring it fits cleanly above the waist and stays clear of airport or train ticket barriers. This child's lanyard offers global recognition and genuine sensory reassurance.
US Readers: Travelling in the US? Order the Childs Lanyard via Amazon US here instead*.
Important Parent Note:
🌻 Only buy Official Lanyards from the Hidden Disability Store
Please do not buy your lanyards from random, unverified sellers on eBay or Amazon. They are highly likely to be fake, low-quality counterfeit products, or being resold by individuals who obtained them for free. Stick to official products and you can be sure of the quality.
I really hope you find the lanyard to be as genuinely helpful as we all have - we truly never leave home without one!
Happy Travels x
🗺️ Expand Your Adventure: Related Guides & Itineraries
If you found this lanyard guide helpful, then check out our other comprehensive resources designed to keep your family travel calm, structured, and fun.
We have dedicated parent sensory guides to visiting the following London attractions with autistic children:
🏛️ Top 10 London Family Attractions for Autistic Kids – Discover how we use our sunflower lanyards to bypass massive holiday crowds at London's best historic sights.
🛫 Flying with Autistic Children: A Stress-Free Airport Guide – Our step-by-step framework for navigating airport security, boarding, and flights with neurodivergent kids.
🧳 Packing to Go Away with Autistic Children: Essential Sensory Checklists – Don't leave home without the essentials. Here is exactly what we pack to keep our boys regulated on the move.
The National Disability Card Guide – How to apply for official travel proof of disability to secure free carer tickets across the UK.
🎒 Top Tips for Traveling with Autistic Children – Our ultimate, big-picture advice index for a successful, meltdown-free family holiday.
More information on travelling with and/or using special assistance for autism and ADHD:
Useful Links to some UK airports and their special assistance pages and resources:
Before you travel, we highly recommend reviewing your departure airport's dedicated accessibility resources. Here is a directory of official UK airport special assistance links:
📍 Special Assistance at London & South West Airports
London Gatwick
🗺️ Where to collect: Special Assistance desks are located in the main check-in zones of both the North and South terminals.
🌻 Insider Tip: Gatwick has a dedicated, clearly marked passport control lane for families wearing the sunflower lanyard.
🔗 Official Resources: Explore the official Gatwick Sunflower lanyards & Accessibility Hub and check step-by-step route layouts on the Gatwick AccessAble Guides page (including locations for the South Terminal Toilet and Changing Places Facilities
London Heathrow
🗺️ Where to collect: Available at the main terminal assistance desks before security checkpoints.
🛍️ Sensory Perk: Heathrow offers free sensory object packs for neurodivergent children—just ask for one at any terminal assistance desk.
📍 Request Locations: You can pick up a sensory pack at any main Special Assistance desk inside Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
🔗 Official Resources: Visit the Heathrow General Accessibility Page and Sunflower Lanyard Scheme portal to view terminal maps before you travel.
London Stansted
🗺️ Where to collect: Located in the main check-in concourse, directly opposite the main entrance doors.
🎥 Pre-Travel Tool: Check out Stansted's official Anxiety-Reducing Familiarisation videos online to help your child visually map out and understand the airport environment beforehand.
🔗 Official Resources: Bookmark the official Stansted General Accessibility page and review their dedicated Non-visible disabilities Support Hub for additional terminal guidance.
Bristol
🗺️ Where to collect: Drop by the main Special Assistance desk located on the ground floor of the terminal building, right next to the check-in desks.
📋 Pre-Travel Tool: Download Bristol's official [Autism Alert Card (PDF)] from their website before your trip to hand to airport security staff.
🔗 Official Resources: Visit the
Bristol Special Assistance homepage and review their dedicatedHidden disabilities page for detailed terminal policies.
📍 Special Assistance at North England Airports
Manchester Airport
🗺️ Where to collect: Special Assistance terminals are stationed inside the main check-in halls for Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
🎥 Pre-Travel Tool: Watch Manchester's official Accessibility Journey Familiarisation Video with your child to visually map out and ease anxiety about the terminal layout before you leave home.
🔗 Official Resources: Review step-by-step route layouts on the AccessAble Guide for Manchester Airport, bookmark the Special Assistance homepage and explore their dedicated for Invisible disabilities page for deep-dive support.
Newcastle Airport
🗺️ Where to collect: Head straight to the Passenger Assistance desk located in the main check-in area, right opposite the terminal entrance.
📑 Child Resource: Download and print Newcastle’s official
Fun airport activity book for kids (pdf) to keep busy hands occupied and distracted during terminal wait times.
🔗 Official Resources: Visit the official Passenger Assistance homepage
and review their dedicated Hidden disabilities page for specific assistance policies.
📍 Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
Edinburgh
🗺️ Where to collect: The main Special Assistance welcome desk is located inside the terminal, right outside the international arrivals hall.
📖 Social Story: Download their fantastic My Airport Journey Social Story to read through with your child as part of your pre-travel visual schedule.
🔗 Official Resources: Bookmark ther official General Special Assistance page and review their dedicated Hidden Disabilities page for local terminal details.
Glasgow
🗺️ Where to collect: Drop into the main assistance desk situated on the ground floor of the terminal, right across from the main check-in zone.
📋 Pre-Travel Tool: Use their official Visual Guide to Planning your Journey to help structure your child's timeline from check-in to boarding.
🔗 Official Resources: Explore Glasgow's dedicated Autism page for targeted sensory guidance, and check the general Hidden Disability page alongside the General Special Assistance page for full airport accessibility policies.
Belfast Airport
🗺️ Where to collect: Located directly inside the main check-in concourse area at both Belfast hubs.
📖 Visual Stories & Calendars: Download the step-by-step
Visual Story - Going to the Airport, a Guide for Children with Autism (pdf) to read with your child, and use the Visual Resource - Autism Travel Calendar (pdf) to count down the days until your holiday.
📑 Pre-Travel Prep: Read through the official Travelling with a hidden disability info sheet for quick practical guidance before setting off.
🔗 Official Resources: Explore the dedicated Autism Awareness at Belfast airport page and book official terminal help via the Belfast Special Assistance homepage for dedicated support facilities and lanyard info
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