The Connection of Fidget Toys and ADHD
As a business that supports students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), we value the importance of raising awareness and educating our readers on new studies, tools, and resources that aid in the success of students with ADHD. In honor of October being ADHD Awareness month, we’d like to share the impact of fidget toys on students, and how to properly use them to help students improve executive functioning skills and academic studies.
Fidget Toys are great tools for students with ADHD. The impact on the brain’s executive function process is impeccable. Executive Functioning skills are important for everyone, especially for students with learning differences such as ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Processing Challenges, etc. Fidget toys can be a great outlet for students with learning differences to excel academically and improve their executive function when used the proper way.
Fidget Toys are a great way to create a well-rounded homework schedule and a customized organizational system tailored to your child. This allows him or her to locate homework quickly and use allocated study time more productively. Additionally, learning to effectively communicate and manage impressions left on teachers, peers, counselors, and others are key for your child to succeed. Instead of looking at Fidget Toys as a nuisance, look at them as a valuable tool to your children's success in learning imperative Executive Functioning skills that they will take with them throughout their future into adulthood and beyond.
The Science
Studies show that fidgeting with a toy while working helps ADHD students focus longer and think with more clarity. Fidget toys help the blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, where the brain’s executive function processes sit. Fidgeting stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain, giving the nervous system the stimulation it needs to stay focused. In other words, fidgeting is a way to power up the brain, an adaptive part of the problem-solving process. Every student responds differently to fidgeting, and the amount of improvement versus becoming a distraction also varies.
Potential Risks
Although fidget toys are popular with students, and can be lots of fun, there are a few risks to consider when using fidget spinners during academic studies or play.
Adverse effects of fidget devices include:
Electronic Fidget Toys
Always use the cable that comes with the toy. There have been cases of fidget toys catching fire or overheating due to improper charging or use.
Choking Hazard for Children under 3.
Kids ages 3 and under can be at risk of choking on the small removable pieces found on spinners, toys, or push buttons. It is imperative to ensure that your child or student is at the proper age and maturity level to use these fidget devices as learning tools, instead of toys for pure enjoyment when in the classroom for academic purposes. These pieces are often caps, bearings, or washers. Be sure to keep spinners away from children under 3 and supervise them when in play for toddlers.
Spinning Fidget Toys
Studies have shown that spinning fidget toys are ineffective and distracting in classrooms. Using a fidget spinner was associated with increased reports of attentional lapses, diminished judgments of learning, and impaired performance on a memory test. In addition, there have been multiple cases in various cities of students being hospitalized from throwing fidget spinners.
How to use fidget toys properly?
The presence of fidget toys in classrooms can be distracting to those who do not need them to focus. It’s important to teach your children how to productively use fidget toys and how to choose the best fidget toys for their environment. It’s vital to communicate with your students that fidgeting is a productive step in completing their work instead of something to hide when the teacher looks their way; be sure to communicate with your child’s school about the use of fidget toys within the classrooms.
How do I get the school to let my child use fidgets?
Communicate with your child's teacher about specific fidget toys that are allowed in the class, and the benefits of fidgets for your child. IEPs and 504 plans commonly outline fidgets as accommodations. If your child does not have an IEP or 504 plan, it might be wise to reach out to your child’s counselor or learning specialist. Here is a list of “good” fidget toys features for the classroom:
Silent: Your child won’t get shushed for disturbing the class.
Unobtrusive: Children with ADHD don’t want to draw attention to themselves; fidgets should fit in a fist.
Tactile (not visual): Fidgets shouldn’t draw restless eyes away from the teacher.
Safe: Kids can choke on small items; some stretchy fidgets sting when they snap.
Tools (not toys): Balls shouldn’t bounce, for instance — too distracting.
Inexpensive: They’re likely to be lost (like their lunch bags).
Teacher-approved: Consult the teacher before sending in new items. (Source: ADDitude)
At Illuminos, we teach students Executive Functioning skills while supporting their homework and subject matter needs. Our experienced academic coaches personalize our curriculum, report progress, and collaborate with teachers and others in the child’s “circle of support.” Our science-based and research-tested, flagship Executive Function curriculum can help your child succeed through our emphasis on emotional intelligence. We help empower students with Executive Functioning tools so they can be more responsible, invested, and rewarded for their own success. Check out the outstanding services Illuminos offers to give your student the extra push they need to excel in school.