29/10/2025
Mind Co.â¨
Airport Security & the Sunflower Lanyard: A PDA Family Game-Changer đťâď¸
If you haven't heard of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard, this might be the travel tip that assists your PDA family.
What is it?
A simple green lanyard with sunflowers that discreetly signals to staff that the wearer has a non-visible disability and may need extra support, patience, or time.
Why it's brilliant for PDA:
⢠No need to explain or justify your child's needs repeatedly
⢠Staff are trained to offer assistance without being asked
⢠Reduces the demand of having to advocate in stressful moments
⢠Gives your child a visual way to communicate their needs
Airport security with PDA can be overwhelming:
⢠Demands to remove shoes, empty pockets, walk through scanners
⢠Loud noises and bright lights
⢠Crowds and time pressure
⢠Unfamiliar procedures and expectations
How the sunflower lanyard helps:
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Staff may offer to explain procedures beforehand
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Extra time and patience during security checks
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Quieter, less demanding communication
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Recognition that behaviours aren't "naughty" but needs-based
Where to get one:
Many airports provide them free, or you can order online before traveling. They're recognised internationally at participating airports.
The relief:
Instead of feeling like you need to constantly explain or defend your child's responses, the lanyard does the communicating for you.
Your PDA child deserves to travel with dignity and understanding. This simple tool can make that possible. đż
Tip: Many airports have assistance lanes through security screening. Do make use of these. Also, don't be afraid to contact airport security before hand and let them know you are coming. This can be a real game changer, especially if your child is connected to medical devices, or needs carry-on medical equipment that cannot go through the screening process.