Do Fidget Toys Really Help With ADHD?

Do Fidget Toys Really Help With ADHD? We take a look at the research to see if there’s any merit to the claim that fidget toys can help kids with ADHD.

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Introduction

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each child with ADHD is unique and will respond differently to various types of fidgets. However, research has shown that fidgets can be beneficial for children with ADHD by helping them to focus and stay on task. If your child is having difficulty paying attention or staying focused, it may be worth exploring different types of fidget toys to see if they help.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD include impulsive behavior, difficulty paying attention, and hyperactivity. Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.

One treatment option that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the use of fidget toys. Fidget toys are small objects that can be held in the hand and manipulated. They are often used as a way to help people focus and stay calm.

So, do fidget toys really help with ADHD? The answer is complicated. There is some evidence to suggest that fidget toys can be beneficial for people with ADHD, particularly when it comes to improving focus and concentration. However, not all research studies have found positive effects. Additionally, fidget toys are not a replacement for other treatments such as medication or therapy. If you or your child is considering using a fidget toy to help manage ADHD symptoms, it’s important to speak with a doctor or mental health professional first to discuss whether it’s a good option.

The Benefits of Fidgeting

Fidgeting is often thought of as a bad habit, but for people with ADHD, fidgeting can actually be beneficial. Fidgeting can help to release excess energy and help people focus on tasks. Fidget toys are often used to help people with ADHD, and there is some evidence to suggest that they can be helpful.

One study found that children with ADHD who used fidget toys were better able to focus on tasks than those who did not use fidget toys. Another study found that fidget toys can help improve fine motor skills in children with ADHD.

Fidget toys are not a cure for ADHD, but they may be able to help some people manage their symptoms. If you think a fidget toy could help you or your child, talk to your doctor.

How Do Fidget Toys Help?

There is no scientific evidence that fidget toys help with ADHD, but anecdotal evidence from parents and teachers suggests that they may be beneficial. Fidget toys are designed to provide a way for kids to release excess energy and stay focused on tasks.

For kids with ADHD, fidget toys can provide a much-needed outlet for excess energy. They can also help kids stay focused on tasks by providing a physical way to releasing pent-up energy. In addition, fidget toys can help foster a sense of calm and relaxation, which can be beneficial for kids with ADHD who often feel agitated and restless.

If you’re considering purchasing a fidget toy for your child, it’s important to choose one that is age-appropriate and safe. There are many different types of fidget toys on the market, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. You may also want to consult with your child’s teacher or doctor to see if they have any recommendations.

The Different Types of Fidget Toys

There are three main types of fidgets- visual, auditory, and tactile.

Visual fidgets are designed to keep your eyes moving, like a slinky or a set of worry beads. You can also use a fidget spinner or a kendama.

Auditory fidgets make noise that can help you focus, like a small bell you can ring or clickable pens. Some people also listen to music or white noise while they work.

Tactile fidgets let you touch and feel something in your hands, like putty or Play-Doh, a worry stone, or a Koosh ball. Some people also like to wear fidget jewelry or to fidget with their clothing.

The Best Fidget Toys for ADHD

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best fidget toys for ADHD, as each individual is different and will respond differently to different types of fidgets. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in order to choose the right type of fidget for each individual.

For example, people with ADHD who have difficulty focusing may benefit from a toy that requires them to use both their hands, such as a fidget spinner or a Rubik’s Cube. On the other hand, people with ADHD who tend to become easily overwhelmed may prefer a toy that can be used discreetly, such as a worry stone or a set of worry beads.

Some other factors to keep in mind when choosing a fidget toy for someone with ADHD include the size of the toy (larger toys may be more distracting than smaller ones), the noise level of the toy (some people with ADHD find noisy toys to be more stimulating), and the durability of the toy (so that it can withstand being played with frequently).

The Bottom Line

Overall, the evidence on fidget toys and ADHD is inconclusive. Some studies suggest that they may help improve focus and concentration, while others find no benefits. If you or your child are considering using a fidget toy, it’s important to talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider first. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits and make sure that the toy is being used in a safe and effective way.

FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about fidget toys and their potential benefits for people with ADHD:

Do fidget toys really help with ADHD?
There is no scientific evidence that fidget toys can directly help with ADHD symptoms. However, many people find that fidgeting can help them focus and stay calm, so using a fidget toy may indirectly help with ADHD symptoms.

Are there any risks associated with using fidget toys?
There are no known risks associated with using fidget toys. However, it is important to supervise children while they are playing with them, as they could pose a choking hazard if swallowed.

How do I choose the right fidget toy for me or my child?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on personal preference. Some people prefer smaller objects that they can discretely use in any setting, while others prefer bigger objects that they can use more openly. It is also important to consider the materials the toy is made from – some people may prefer softer materials such as silicone, while others may prefer harder materials such as plastic or metal. Ultimately, the best way to choose a fidget toy is to try out a few different types and see which one works best for you or your child.

Resources

There are many different types of fidget toys available on the market, from simple handheld spinners to elaborate desktop toys. But do these devices really help people with ADHD focus?

The evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that fidget toys can help improve focus and attention in children with ADHD, while other research has found no significant benefits.

Fidget toys may work by providing a distraction from disruptive thoughts or by stimulating the senses in a way that helps to boost concentration. However, more research is needed to determine whether fidgeting is truly effective for ADHD treatment.

If you’re considering buying a fidget toy for someone with ADHD, it’s important to choose one that is safe and appropriate for their age and development level. Simple, handheld spinners are generally considered safe for all ages, but some desktop toys may contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard for young children.

Always supervise children while they’re using fidget toys, and be sure to stored them safely away when not in use. With proper care, fidget toys can be a helpful tool for managing ADHD symptoms — but they should not be used as a replacement for proven treatments like medication and therapy.

A Note from The Understood Team

We’ve seen a lot of talk lately about fidget toys. You might have even seen them in stores. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they’re usually pretty inexpensive. So, what are they? And do they really help kids with ADHD?

Fidget toys are small objects that you can hold in your hand or fiddle with. They’re definitely not new. And, over the years, there’s been some debate about whether they help kids with ADHD focus.

The jury is still out on whether fidget toys really help all kids with ADHD focus better. But some experts say that for some kids, using a fidget toy can help them pay attention and stay on task.

If you’re thinking about getting a fidget toy for your child, it’s important to remember that every child is different. Some children might find them helpful, while others may not. And, like all things related to ADHD, what works for one child might not work for another.

If you decide to give a fidget toy a try, keep an eye on how your child uses it. Make sure it’s not becoming a distraction or a nuisance to others. And be prepared to put it away if it starts to interfere with learning or social interaction.