The Sunflower Lanyard, 10 years on: How the travel industry is supporting neurodivergent travellers

"I still have hope for a brighter future in neuro-inclusive travel"

"Neurodivergent folk experience significantly higher stress levels in busy, unpredictable and sensory-intense environments,"

"This often leads to a deregulated nervous system, meltdowns or avoidance of airports altogether."

"Since its launch in 2016, "making the invisible, visible" has been the primary goal of the lanyard."

Airports act as gateways to the world but often function as barriers for neurodivergent travellers due to busy, unpredictable, sensory-intense environments. An estimated one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent. Neurodivergent individuals experience significantly higher stress in such settings, which can deregulate the nervous system, trigger meltdowns, or lead to avoidance of airports. Sensory overwhelm is a common struggle. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, launched in 2016, provides a visual cue indicating that wearers may require extra assistance and time. NeuroPlaces works to reimagine public spaces to better serve neurodivergent needs.

Read at CN Traveller