By Scott Bartlett, Advocacy Specialist
Approximately one in ten Americans live with a disability which is not easily observable. These are sometimes called ‘hidden’ disabilities. Examples of hidden disabilities are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mental health conditions, epilepsy, and chronic pain, among others.
My hidden disabilities are autism and ADHD. When people observe me, they are not likely to know that I have disabilities. I have been told that my disabilities must be mild, because nobody would ever have guessed I have disabilities by looking at me. However, my internal experience is not mild, and I have challenges daily. People normally observe me on good days in environments that are accommodating to me and obviously can’t read my mind or see into my brain. All of this is also true of other hidden disabilities.
There is no other environment that is less accommodating and dysregulating to me than airports. The sensory issues, the numbers of people, the unfamiliar environment, and the process of security checks and boarding is difficult for me every time. My brain becomes overloaded. I have trouble speaking. My ability to think and process information becomes slow. I may even freeze and have trouble communicating.
This year, I was asked to attend an Independent Living conference in Washington, D.C. When asked if I would attend, my initial feelings were anxiety and dread. I would have to fly. I said yes, of course I wanted to attend the conference. I began to think about what I needed to be as comfortable as possible on this trip. I require patience and understanding without the trouble of having multiple conversations about my disability.
For several years, I heard autistic people speak about the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard for traveling. I was also reminded by my supervisor that the program existed. I researched it and thought it might be useful on my trip.
The lanyard can be found at most airports for free, including the airport in Colorado Springs. However, as an example of how much I dislike airports, I paid $18.00 for one to be sent to me from England rather than visiting the local airport and getting one for free. I purchased a standard lanyard that displays sunflowers full length. There are also sunflower pins and lanyards for caregivers. In addition to the lanyard, I purchased a card to be displayed stating I have autism and people around me can best assist me by being patient and speaking to me clearly and calmly, but not to touch me.
My trip to Washington was mostly uneventful. I wore the lanyard from the time I parked my car at the Colorado Springs airport to the hotel lobby in D.C. There was one curious look by an airline Captain, as he gave me a once-over that felt mildly awkward, but most airline, airport, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff did not show any signs of recognizing the lanyard. It wasn’t until my return trip that the lanyard was noticed.
On my return trip, the airport was quite busy with people, noise, and activity. I was able to find my gate, but I could not distinguish what line I needed to be in. To me the lines for boarding planes looked like they had merged and become indistinguishable. As it was time to board my flight, I began to feel panicked, as I was already overwhelmed. I made eye contact with a gate attendant who immediately came to me and said I looked like I might need some help. When I told her I was not aware of what line I should be in she took me by the arm and walked me to the line I should be in. She asked if I needed any assistance boarding or finding my seat. I thanked her but declined boarding assistance.
It may sound simple, but for me it made an enormous difference in the level of my anxiety. I am certain she noticed my lanyard and made the connection that I might need help. I was spared confusion for not knowing where I should be and the anxiety of asking for help. She was kind and thoughtful and demonstrated she knew what the lanyard was about. While entering the plane I observed a flight attendant looking at my lanyard and she promptly asked me if I needed assistance to my seat. I didn’t need her assistance but was grateful that it was offered.
The lanyard probably isn’t for everyone. I live openly as an autistic person but still find it somewhat uncomfortable wearing a badge that broadcasts that I am autistic. I was also keenly aware that anyone who knows what the sunflower means would know I have disabilities. This includes people who would judge me for wearing the lanyard, and well as other individuals who I might not want to know I have disabilities.
I will continue to use the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard in future travels. The only exception is that I will not wear the badge that says I have autism. As awareness of the program grows, I think it will be a useful tool for people with disabilities traveling. I also think it could be used in everyday applications such as grocery stores, government offices, businesses, and in public.
If you wish to know more, please visit this website: https://hdsunflower.com/us/shop.html