Hi, I am Annabel, a Speech and Language Therapist at Insights Psychology. I’m an ADHDer and I’d always seen the ‘hidden disabilities’ sunflower and thought, “I don’t need that. I’m fine getting through the airport without any additional support. I’ve managed okay for 30 odd years, what difference would it make now?”
As my family and I entered Terminal 1, the sunflowers glowed at the information desk and after being greeted with a friendly smile from one of the staff, I decided to advocate for myself and asked for my lanyard.
We were told that we could use the assisted passenger services lane, but feeling like a fraud, we headed to the regular check-in desk. On our way there, a different member of staff, upon seeing the sunflower, ushered us to assisted passenger services. I thought, “well, let’s see…”
We checked in almost immediately. I was asked about the nature of my “medical condition”, to which I responded “ADHD”. I was asked if I needed physical assistance, which I declined.
We then had the universal disability symbol attached to our checked baggage. I might have preferred the sunflower, as the symbol implied I needed physical assistance.
Later, whilst at the gate, I didn’t hear them calling our zone (inattentive much?!). However, when I asked staff, they saw my lanyard and we were directed straight onto the plane.
Upon boarding, the wonderful flight attendant assured us that if we needed anything, to ask. They even had sensory toys.
Although I’m not sure I needed much extra support, having the reassurance was very calming. I think if it had been much busier, the assisted passenger service would have been hugely beneficial due to my time blindness.
Overall, it’s a fantastic initiative. The sunflowers are all over the airport, and all the staff we interacted with were aware of what wearing the sunflower lanyard meant.
So, if you or a member of your family have a hidden disability, please ask for a lanyard. The extra care and attention goes a long way when travelling.
