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It’s normal for children to have trouble sitting still and paying attention for long periods of time. However, for children with conditions like ADHD, autism or sensory processing disorder, lack of focus and restless energy can pose significant challenges. Fidget toys have become popular as tools to help kids concentrate by giving their hands and minds an outlet. Used constructively, certain fidget toys can support focus and attention in children.
How Fidget Toys Help Focus
Fidget toys are objects designed to be manipulated in the hands. There are many types, including stress balls, fidget spinners, modeling clay, and various sensory toys. Using them provides tactile, visual, and motor stimulation for a child. Playing with a fidget occupies part of the brain and body, allowing improved focus on a main task.
For children with attention deficits, having an object to keep their hands busy helps limit distractions and fidgeting. It allows them to channel excess energy into small motor movements rather than disruptive behavior. Fidget toys also give part of the brain something to focus on so the child can better concentrate on instruction or work. Think of it like giving the hands something to do so the brain is free to pay attention.
Benefits for ADHD
Children with ADHD often benefit from using fidget toys to stay focused. In fact, research shows kids with ADHD demonstrate improved concentration when allowed to fidget during tasks. The toys provide an outlet for the hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity associated with ADHD. Having a spinner, cube, or clay allows the child to release pent up energy subtly without disrupting class. Manipulating a tactile object also keeps sensory cravings in check. Fidget toys supply ADHD brains with occupying stimulation to better manage symptoms. With a toy in hand, ADHD children exhibit fewer distracting movements and more engagement.
Autism Focus
Many children on the autism spectrum also find fidget toys helpful for maintaining focus. Kids with autism tend to crave sensory input and seek stimulation in their surroundings. Fidget toys satisfy these sensory cravings in a controlled, appropriate way. Keeping their hands preoccupied with a toy prevents distracting behaviors like flapping, tapping, rocking or wandering. It gives them an acceptable outlet when their attention drifts due to sensory underload. Fidget toys help minimize disruptions so autistic children can focus better during instruction, reading, testing, or conversation. Allowing tactile toys accommodates their needs and aids concentration.
Classroom Focus
Teachers can incorporate various fidget toys as tools to keep students engaged and attentive. Simple fidgets give restless kids’ hands something to do while freeing up their minds to focus. While often seen as playthings, the right fidget toys stimulate just enough to enhance children’s attention rather than becoming wholly distracting. Children focus and behave better when their need to fidget is constructively supported. With teacher guidance, fidget toys provide in-seat sensory input for more focused learning. They offer a tangible way for kids to self-regulate attention and engagement. When used intentionally, fidget toys become an aid rather than a distraction.
Choosing Toys for Focus
With the range of fidget toys now available, selecting the right ones takes some consideration:
Discrete – The toy shouldn’t be distracting to others when used in the classroom. Items that make noise, lights, etc. can be disruptive.
Manipulable – The child needs to be able to manipulate it in subtle hand motions while seated. Items requiring two hands or large gestures don’t work as well.
Textured – Having textures to feel and manipulate enhances tactile focus. Smooth or uniform surfaces don’t provide enough sensory input.
Adjustable – Toys that can change shapes, flip, click, spin, etc. hold a child’s interest longer. Fixed objects become boring more quickly.
Sturdy – It must be durable and sized appropriately for a child to handle. Items that easily break or pose choking risks are unsuitable.
Portable – The toy should be one a child can easily transport to use in various settings like school, home, or appointments.
With the right fidget toy and some guidance, children can learn to use the toys as tools (not toys) to stay attentive and centered. Fidgets offer sensory support that removes barriers to focus rather than becoming a distraction themselves.
Fidget Toy Guidelines
While fidget toys hold benefits, there are some guidelines parents and teachers should follow to ensure constructive use:
Set expectations – Explain appropriate use of fidgets and when they may or may not be allowed. Don’t give them during activities when focus is required.
Use intermittently – Allow the toys for short periods rather than continuous use. Extended play can become distracting and reduce effectiveness.
Monitor signs of distraction – Note when the toy appears to be interfering with focus and adjust use.
Pair with instruction – Introduce fidgets along with focus training. Don’t rely on them as a cure-all for attention issues.
Consider age/abilities – Ensure the toy and rules are developmentally appropriate for the child’s abilities.
Incorporate breaks – Take sensory breaks when needed, don’t expect fidgets to meet all sensory needs for long periods.
Fidget toys serve as helpful sensory aids, not comprehensive solutions for focus challenges. With reasonable expectations and supervision, they can make a difference for many easily distracted children. The toys provide an outlet that allows better self-regulation of attention and engagement. While not a magic cure, fidget toys remove one of the barriers to focus for ADHD and autistic kids – restless hands and minds. Giving them an activity that meets sensory needs and occupies part of the brain can open doors to better concentration.
How Fidget Toys Can Help a Child Focus?