The Importance Of ADHD Toys
Fidget spinners, stress balls, putty… In recent years, toys like these have gained popularity as a fun way to keep the hands busy. But these so-called “fidget toys” are more than just entertainment. For people with ADHD, they may be a tool for managing their symptoms, which can include restlessness, absentmindedness, and more.
Understanding ADHD
In order to understand how toys might help people with ADHD, it can be important to understand how ADHD works.
ADHD stands for “attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.” It is a condition that can make it hard for people to focus, manage their time, and control their impulses. People with ADHD may struggle to finish projects and follow instructions. They may engage in high-risk behavior without considering the consequences, or talk excessively and interrupt others, which can come across as a lack of social skills. These are just a few of the ways ADHD may manifest in their professional and personal lives.
There are three types of ADHD someone can be diagnosed with: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. A diagnosis is made based on what type of symptoms the person experiences. For example, symptoms of inattentiveness may include:
- Struggling to concentrate
- Becoming easily sidetracked
- Frequently getting lost in thought
- Frequently forgetting or misplacing things
- Having trouble managing time
Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity may include:
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Being unable to sit still
- Blurting things out without thinking
- Experiencing intense mood swings or outbursts
- Struggling to be patient
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. Children with ADHD may find it hard to concentrate at school, have trouble sitting still, or make frequent “careless” mistakes on tests and projects. More boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls, although this may not be because boys are more likely to have ADHD. The real reason may be that girls more commonly have the inattentive form of ADHD, which has symptoms that may be easier to miss.
The possible benefits of ADHD toys
While treatable, ADHD can still cause challenges for people, especially children. This may be because adults are more likely to have developed coping strategies, which can help conceal their symptoms. The structure and mental demands of a school environment can also be challenging for kids who struggle to follow directions and stay focused for long periods.
This is where toys can be a valuable tool for people with ADHD (as well as other types of neurodivergence, like autism). Fidgeting with something, like a toy, can be a way for a child to reduce restlessness. Engaging the senses may also help to improve alertness and provide something grounding to focus on. It may even improve cognitive performance. In a 2015 study, researchers analyzed the activity levels of 44 children, some who had been diagnosed with ADHD and some who hadn’t. The children wore monitors to measure their physical activity while completing a mental task. When the children with ADHD were more physically active, they tended to perform better on the task.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from toys as well. If you often fidget during meetings or at your desk, giving yourself something to do with your hands may help you channel your energy. It can also be a healthier alternative to habits like nail biting.
Types of toys to try for ADHD
Even with all this in mind, it can be hard to figure out what makes a good ADHD toy. Slime? Rubber bands? A scooter board? While there are dozens of options available, some may be more appropriate than others.
A good ADHD toy can capture a person’s interest and engage one or more of the five senses. Ideally, it provides an outlet for restless energy without taking away too much attention from important tasks. Whether you’re looking for a toy for yourself or for someone else, the following options may be a good place to start:
Play dough: Play dough is a soft modeling material that can be molded, squeezed, rolled, and flattened. This may make it an appealing sensory activity. Shaping play dough into different shapes can be a way to practice creativity and develop fine motor skills.
Stress balls: These foam balls can be squeezed with force and return to their normal shape. Although classic stress balls are shaped like spheres, they come in various other shapes and colors. Often used to relieve stress and anxiety, stress balls can also be a tool for channeling restless energy.
Fidget spinners: One of the most popular fidget toys, a fidget spinner is a rotating disk you can spin while holding it between your thumb and middle finger. Available in a wide range of styles, fidget spinners can be an easy way to manage restlessness.
Rubik’s Cubes: The Rubik’s Cube is a classic toy that combines problem-solving with sensory stimulation. It is a cube made up of smaller cubes in different colors that can be rotated in different ways. The goal is typically to make each side a solid color, although some people may benefit from just using it to fidget.
Kinetic sand: Kinetic sand is a substance that mimics the texture of wet sand at the beach. Offered in a variety of bright colors, it is designed to either flow freely or be pressed and sculpted. It provides a relaxing sensory experience that is easy to clean up and put away.
It may be worth remembering that although ADHD toys like these can be helpful, they may not be enough on their own. Managing ADHD often requires professional treatment, which may include a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Talking to a therapist may also be important for developing long-term strategies to manage symptoms.
If you’re living with ADHD, which can make it hard to manage time and logistics, traveling to in-person therapy may be challenging. Online therapy lets you see a therapist from the comfort of your home, which may make it a more convenient alternative if you have trouble commuting to appointments.
Studies have found that internet-based therapy may effectively reduce ADHD symptoms. For instance, in 2022, researchers looked at six studies of online therapy for adults and children with ADHD. They found that online therapy led to improvements in attention and social function.
Takeaway
ADHD can make it hard to focus, control urges, and manage time. It can also cause restlessness. People with ADHD may fidget as a way to improve their focus and channel their energy. Toys that engage the senses, like kinetic sand, fidget spinners, and stress balls, can provide an easy way to do this, although they aren’t a substitute for professional treatment.
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