Que Sara Sara

In the UK they have the sunflower lanyard. It represents fairly well over there and everyone knows what it means. Although, using it to get out of wearing a mask or something without having a hidden disability just makes you a Karen.

In the US we don’t have that. There are the puzzle pieces, but those are so cringe and awful. A friend of mine in the UK, when visiting Disney every year wears their sunflower lanyard, but they also wear pins on that lanyard calling for space, and pins letting people know they are autistic, so should they become overwhelmed by people/sensory/stimulus, then someone will read the pin and hopefully help in the best way. I took this cue and bought some pins last year.

I wore a “I’m autistic” pin and a “I get sensory overload” pin on my small bag strap (that went across my chest) while I visited Salem, MA this recent Sunday through Tuesday. They worked brilliantly!! I had people ask about and respect my pins. I also had people read them and act very kindly to me! People were helpful and kind all 3 days! The bag strap was also rainbow, so, I totally represented everything haha. It’s the little HRC (Human Rights Campaign) bag. So, I felt welcome everywhere.

I certainly don’t think that everyone must wear a pin in crowded places, but I do highly recommend it if you are comfortable with being open with your representation. It’s a quick reference point to help people help you/not touch you.

If anyone wishes to get the pins I did, I got them on Etsy here (ships from UK): https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheChronicIconic

They are 2″ buttons. If you want something smaller, then I suggest a different shop, but still Etsy. Yay small businesses!!

To follow my friend (we’ve been friends for over 5 years, way before TT haha) on TT: @_thislineismine . Cheryl does some amazing autism advocacy and teachings on her channel.