As long as there have been people, there have been fidgeters. Some people just have an excess of energy that they need to release in a kinetic way, particularly among people with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, or those with sensory regulation issues. Fidgets have been increasing in popularity over the past decade. But is it just because they’re fun to play with, or is there real science behind why people have come to love fidgets? Turns out, the science is there.
While there have been studies that have not demonstrated a link between the use of fidgets and increased attention and focus, none of those studies distinguished between users who were neurotypical or neuroatypical. More focused studies have found that there is indeed a link between the use of fidgets and increased focus and attention among the latter population.
Research has found that individuals with ADHD displayed far fewer overall movements when given the most popular form of fidget, the fidget spinner, in a learning environment. Further studies examining the ADHD population noted that individuals with ADHD who utilized fidget spinners stayed on task more frequently, and were more likely to stay where they were designated. It has also been shown that individuals with Autism also benefit significantly from the use of fidget spinners in learning environments.
Despite this, some schools have banned the use of fidgets, mainly because of the distraction that some can cause. Most controversy around the use of fidgets in environments where quiet and focus is needed stems from the propensity of many fidgets to be disruptive to those nearby the user; Repetitive whirring and clicking sounds that some fidgets emit when stimulated are distracting to people nearby, even if they help the individual using it remain focused. Some feel that a complete ban of fidgets in schools is unnecessarily discriminatory who have kinesthetic or sensory issues.
Fidget spinners that do not make noise seem like the most appropriate solution to this. They don’t disturb those around the user, allowing the person who feels compelled to fidget or stim do so in a way that is not disruptive. Kahn’s Creations silent GyroFidgets are the perfect solution for this problem: They provide the tactile and kinesthetic stimulation that some individuals may need, while not disturbing those nearby. Hopefully more spaces will recognize the efficacy of silent fidget spinners such as the GyroFidget. Silent fidget spinners becoming more mainstream not only increase accessibility, but help to remove some of the stigma around conditions such as Autism and ADHD.
It is not just with the neurotypical population that fidget spinners can help though. The practice of Mindfulness has grown greatly of late, and has demonstrated the ability to help reduce stress and remain focused. Using the silent GyroFidget is a good way to ground oneself while meditating or practicing mindfulness. And also, they’re just plain fun.
References:
Aspiranti, K. B., Hulac, D. M. (2022). Using fidget spinners to improve on-task classroom behavior for students with ADHD. Behavioral Analysis Panel, 15(2): 454-465. DOI: 10.1007/s406-021-00588
Graziano PA, Garcia AM, Landis TD. To fidget or not to fidget, that is the question: A systematic classroom evaluation of fidget spinners among young children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2020;24(1):163–171. DOI: 10.1177/1087054718770009.
Hulac, D. M., Aspiranti, K. B., Kriescher, S., Briesch, A., & Athanasiou, M. (2020). A multisite study of the effect of fidget spinners on academic performance. Contemporary School Psychology. DOI: 10.1007/s40688-020-00292-y.
Ibister, K., (2017). Fidget toys aren’t just hype. Scientific American.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fidget-toys-arent-just-hype/
Pappas, S. (2017). Fidget spinners: What they are, how they work and why the controversy.
www.livescience.com/58916-fidget-spinner-faq.html
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