New Lego characters aim to represent hidden disabilities such as autism

Company says it hopes sunflower lanyard will help people embrace diversity, value inclusivity and remove stigma'

Lego is introducing several characters who wear sunflower lanyards to its brick universe for the first time to raise awareness of a badge worn to indicate someone has a hidden disability such as autism.

The world's biggest toymaker is keen to make its brick world better reflect reality and in recent years has added characters of different skin tones and cultures, as well as physical and non-visible disabilities. Figures with limb differences, Down's syndrome, anxiety and vitiligo have also been warmly received by children.