The 10 Best Fidget Toys for Kids with ADHD and Why They Help
Oct 03, 2024
WHY CHILDREN WITH ADHD BENEFIT FROM FIDGET TOYS
As kids, many of us were told to, "Sit still, stop wiggling, and pay attention!". Neuroscience now tells us that allowing for movement and fidgeting may help some kids, especially those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to focus and learn! Playing with a fidget, sitting on a wobble ball, or standing on one foot while studying is just what the ADHD nervous system is often craving! And, this extra sensory input has quite a few benefits!
Helps Focus Attention
Kids with ADHD often struggle to maintain their attention on one task like listening to a teacher or working on a homework assignment. They often say that they are "bored", but they may just need some extra support to help them focus. This is where fidgets can work their magic by helping the child focus on the main task by using up some of their extra mental energy with small, repetitive motions like spinning or squeezing a fidget. Some children are kinesthetic learners and truly need to be DOING something physical in order to focus. Research is now suggesting that physical movement may even boost memory and learning!
Decreases Hyperactivity
Kids with ADHD tend to feel restless or fidgety because of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity doesn't always mean that a child feels the need to run around the classroom, although for some kids this is definitely the case. For other kids the hyperactivity may be a sense of internal restlessness that comes out as tapping a pencil, bouncing their leg, or picking at a sticker on their notebook. Fidgets provide a less-distracting way for kids with ADHD to release this extra energy while not disturbing their classmates.
Improves Sensory Processing
Many kids with ADHD struggle with sensory processing issues and are more likely to become overstimulated or under-stimulated in certain environments. Some children are more sensitive to sounds, fabric textures, crowded spaces, temperature, or smells for example. Fidget toys can help calm their nervous systems and help them with self-regulation because they provide controlled sensory input for the nervous system that doesn't over or underwhelm.
Helps with Self-Regulation
Fidget toys are a great tool to help kids manage their emotions in moments when they feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or angry. Instead of hitting or throwing something they can grab a fidget. Fidgeting with the toy can help them channel these emotions to then regain a sense of self-control.
Boosts Memory and Learning
As we mentioned above, research is now suggesting that physical movement may actually help improve memory. Learning, retention, and problem solving may improve with something as simple as a fidget!
Reduces Impulsive Behaviors
Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity. By allowing a child to play with a fidget toy, they may be less likely to act on impulses if they are focusing on manipulating a fidget. It keeps their hands busy.
10 Types of Fidgets We Love!
Although fidgets aren’t a magic or perfect solution for focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, they can be incredibly helpful for kids with ADHD in the school setting, at home, and even in the car! Try a few different types to see what your child likes best.
A variety of choices is often ideal since fidgets come in countless shapes, sizes, and textures. Your child may prefer a squishy fidget one day and a magnetic fidget the next! Keep several bins in different places for them like their room, the car, and some in their backpack for school.
Here are some of our favorite fidgets that our own kids and their friends have tested out and used. Click on the green links to shop!
1. Squishy Fidgets:
2. Noodle Stretchy Fidgets:
3. Lava and Liquid Motion Fidgets:
Small Handheld Liquid Motion Fidget
4. Magnetic Fidgets:
(best for kids who are old enough and won’t put it in their mouths)
Multicolor Magnetic Small Beaded Fidget
Magnetic Sliders in Cookie shapes
5. Twist It and Move It:
Multicolored Rainbow Puzzle Balls
6. Putty and Silicone Sticks:
Aarons Thinking Putty (amazing and comes in a ton of colors and flavors. Pro mom tip…this will get on everything. So, best for using at a table or desk. If it does get on clothes simply use white vinegar and water to get it out:)
Silicone Sticks (can buy with design trays to make something or on their own)
7. Stress Ball Fidgets:
8. Pop It and Spin It Fidgets:
Animal Pop Tube Fidgets (can be a little louder so not great for classroom)
Colorful Pop Tubes (can be a little louder so not great for classroom)
9. Spikey Fidgets:
10. Build Something Fidgets:
If you are looking for the best overall deal…you can grab a Fidget Toy Bulk Package like the one linked here that includes 120 options at a very reasonable price. This is great for teachers for classrooms and in case your kiddo is prone to lose or break things...which is pretty much every kid!
And for those of you with more kinesthetic learners who like to learn with motion and movement, check out these great tools!
Bounce Ball Chair to sit on while studying
Kid's Wobble Chair in many different colors and heights
Wobble Feet that transform a classroom chair into a wobble chair
Chair Bands for Kids with Wiggly Feet
No matter where you're at in your parenting journey we are here to help. Have a child with ADHD or a Highly Sensitive Child? Send us an email or check out our additional resources at www.aparentlyparenting.com
Sincerely, Dr. Emma
Disclaimer: As part of the affiliate program with Amazon, we do receive a small amount of compensation for each item purchased through the links above. This helps fund the time that goes into creating these resources (like this article and list) free of charge. However, our kids and their friends have tried out these items and truly do love them!
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