ADHD toys are designed to help individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focus, calm down, or channel their excess energy in constructive ways. These toys can serve different purposes based on the individual's needs and preferences.
Types of Toys That Are Good for ADHD
Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners are compact playthings available in various colors and shapes. The idea is to grip them at a central point using the thumb and middle finger and then spin them with the other fingers. This action creates a captivating display of colors and emits a soothing, gentle sound that many find enjoyable.
Utilizing fidget spinners and similar toys can aid in directing attention and managing excess energy effectively. However, it's crucial to use these toys mindfully, as research indicates that their indiscriminate use, such as permitting them in classrooms, might hinder students' peak performance.
Rubik’s Cube
The classic Rubik’s Cube, with its vibrant colors and conveniently hand-sized structure, is a fantastic toy for individuals with ADHD. This three-dimensional puzzle combines tactile stimulation, visual attractiveness, and problem-solving, all of which can enhance concentration and focusing abilities.
Designed by Hungarian professor and sculptor Ernő Rubik, the standard Rubik’s Cube boasts six colors or sides, each with nine squares. Depending on one's skill level, there are options for more intricate or straightforward variations of the Rubik’s Cube to choose from.
Tangle Toys
Tangle toys are similar to Rubik’s Cubes in that you manipulate their pieces without separating them. They have a simpler design, making them perfect for younger children with ADHD. These toys offer physical engagement and are visually appealing with their changing colors and shapes.
Shape-Shifting Boxes
Shape-shifting puzzle boxes offer a calming and therapeutic experience, aiding in feelings of relaxation, focus, and grounding. These boxes, which are primarily magnetic puzzle boxes, can be manipulated to create different geometric shapes. Some versions also incorporate sensory elements and visually captivating designs to provide extra stimulation.
Stress Ball
Stress balls are widely recognized as toys that can help alleviate anxiety. They come in various sizes and firmness levels and are designed to be squeezed by hand. This action of contracting and releasing muscles in the hands and wrists may offer a grounding effect and reduce fidgeting. However, studies indicate that despite being called "stress balls," they are not likely to reduce the physical symptoms associated with stress or anxiety.
Magnet Balls
Magnet balls differ from stress balls and are more akin to shape-shifting box puzzles because they allow users to manipulate the shape and design as desired. They consist of small magnetic balls that stick together through magnetic force. Users can rotate and pull the balls to form their own designs, which can enhance focus and decrease nervous energy.
Putty or Play Dough
Children enjoy playing with putty, slime, or play dough, regardless of whether they have ADHD or not. However, these toys can be particularly advantageous for those with ADHD due to their unique sensory properties and their ability to promote creativity and concentration. A study conducted in 2019 revealed that ADHD students could derive specific benefits from using "therapy putty," especially during tasks that involve listening.
Liquid Motion Sandscape
Liquid motion sandscapes are visually appealing art pieces that resemble sand dune landscapes. These interactive creations are designed to be rotated and flipped, causing the sand inside to create captivating movements and form new patterns. They are ideal for placement on an office desk or bedside table, and they are available in various colors and sizes to suit individual preferences.
Fidget Bubble Poppers
This fidget toy is one of the most straightforward designs mentioned. Usually crafted from soft silicone, it comprises a panel with pliable "bubbles" that you can press using your fingers. After pressing all the bubbles, you can flip it over and repeat the process. This toy is effective in calming active hands and reducing nervous energy, aiding in better focus and attentiveness.
Read Also: ADHD Is Ruining My Life! | How Do You Break Through the Fog?
Pros and Cons of ADHD toys
Pros:
- Focus Enhancement
- Calming Effects
- Sensory Stimulation
- Skill Development
- Non-Medicinal Approach
Cons:
- Distraction Potentia
- Cost
- Overstimulation
- Dependence
- Social Acceptance
Differences Between ADHD toys and ADHD planners
ADHD toys
ADHD toys are primarily used during periods of restlessness, stress, or the need for sensory stimulation. They can be used at home, school, or work to help individuals with ADHD stay focused and calm.
ADHD planners
ADHD planners are used as daily tools to structure tasks, set goals, plan activities, track progress, and manage time effectively. They are often carried throughout the day and used to maintain organization and productivity.
Alternative to ADHD toys
Fidget Tools:
Instead of traditional ADHD toys like fidget spinners or stress balls, consider using alternative fidget tools such as fidget cubes, tangle toys, or textured pencils. These tools offer sensory stimulation and can help individuals with ADHD stay focused during tasks.
Types of ADHD Fidget Toys and Why they Might Work for You
Beating Stress: ADHD Fidget Toys to Calm
At times, we all seek ways to relax. Have you heard of stress balls?
Stress balls are popular because they serve as a calming fidget toy for adults. They help ease tension and promote relaxation by allowing you to release built-up emotions through hand flexing.
The simple, quiet action of stress balls offers soothing relief, which is why they continue to be sought after as calming aids.
When it comes to ADHD fidget toys, you can apply a similar concept to help your child. Many children with ADHD struggle with overwhelming thoughts and emotions that can be distracting. Introduce calming fidget toys to assist them in finding focus and calmness by releasing stress and energy.
Calming fidget toys for ADHD might include items like color-changing light balls, squishy gel pads, or squeezy basketballs. Other options could involve using flexible foot bands, pipe cleaners, keychains, or plastic nut and bolt toys.
These calming fidget toys for ADHD should be quiet and engage either sight or touch, or both, providing a peaceful way for your child to release excess energy and find a sense of calm.
Conclusion
ADHD toys play a crucial role in supporting individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by providing therapeutic benefits and aiding in managing symptoms. From fidget spinners to stress balls and shape-shifting puzzle boxes, these toys offer various sensory experiences that promote focus, relaxation, and emotional regulation. It's essential to use these toys thoughtfully and tailor them to individual needs to maximize their effectiveness in improving attention, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being for individuals with ADHD.
