Is a Fidget Spinner for ADHD? How Does It Help?

Fidget spinners, once a popular toy sensation, have also been touted as tools to help manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The condition can make focusing on tasks challenging, and many individuals with ADHD struggle with restlessness and the inability to sit still for long periods. While fidget spinners are not a substitute for professional treatment, there is growing interest in how they may serve as a tool for some individuals with ADHD. But how exactly can a fidget spinner help?

The Link Between Fidget Spinners and ADHD

Fidget spinners are small, handheld toys designed to spin on a central bearing. They typically consist of a central hub with three arms, each containing a small weight. When you flick the spinner, it rotates, providing a satisfying sensory experience. This sensory input might be helpful for those with ADHD for several reasons.

1. Increased Focus: Fidgeting with a spinner can help channel excess energy and provide a sensory distraction, which can enable individuals with ADHD to focus better on a task. By engaging in repetitive motion with their hands, they may find it easier to concentrate on what’s going on around them. According to research, some individuals with ADHD show improved concentration when they are allowed to fidget (Nigg, 2013).

2. Calming Effect: Fidget spinners can also serve as a calming mechanism. ADHD is often associated with anxiety and impulsivity, and engaging with a fidget spinner may help reduce these feelings by providing a predictable and calming sensory experience. The rhythmic motion of the spinner may act similarly to stimming behaviors, which are repetitive actions people with ADHD or autism engage in to self-regulate emotions.

3. Managing Restlessness: One of the core symptoms of ADHD is hyperactivity, which can manifest as difficulty staying still or sitting in one place. Fidgeting provides an outlet for this restlessness, allowing individuals to move their hands without disrupting their surroundings. This physical engagement can also help improve overall emotional regulation.

What Does Research Say?

While there’s anecdotal evidence supporting the use of fidget toys like spinners in managing ADHD symptoms, scientific research on their effectiveness is still limited. Some studies suggest that fidgeting can help improve focus by reducing cognitive overload, while others caution that fidgeting may become a distraction in itself if not used appropriately.

For example, a study published in the journal "Psychology in the Schools" (2015) found that allowing children with ADHD to fidget could result in improved academic performance. On the other hand, a study by M. H. J. Nigg in 2013 cautioned that while fidgeting may provide short-term benefits, it might not always be an effective long-term strategy without additional behavioral interventions.

Overall, while fidget spinners might not cure ADHD, they can serve as a useful coping mechanism for some individuals, especially when combined with other treatments like medication or therapy.

How to Make a Homemade Fidget Spinner?

If you’re interested in creating your own fidget spinner, it’s easier than you might think! Making a homemade fidget spinner not only allows you to customize the design and feel but also adds a sense of accomplishment and creativity to the process. Here’s how you can craft your own DIY spinner.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Cardboard (or thick plastic or wood for a sturdier version)
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• A pencil or pen (for the central bearing or axle)
• Beads, washers, or bottle caps (for weights)
• Metal ball bearing (optional, for smoother spin)
• Markers or paint (for decoration)
• Ruler (for precision)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create the Template:

Start by drawing the shape of your spinner on a piece of cardboard. The classic fidget spinner design includes three arms and a central hole. You can adjust the size, but a typical spinner is about 3 inches wide.

2. Cut Out the Shape:

Once you’ve drawn the design, carefully cut it out using scissors. You should now have the basic shape of the spinner, with a central hole to accommodate the axle or bearing.

3. Create the Central Hole:

Use a pen or pencil to punch a small hole in the middle of the spinner. This will be where the bearing (or alternative) will be inserted.

4. Add Weights:

To ensure your spinner works well and stays balanced, you’ll need to add some weights to the ends of the spinner's arms. You can glue small washers, bottle caps, or beads to each arm. This gives the spinner better balance and allows it to spin for longer periods.

5. Insert the Bearing:

If you have a small metal bearing (such as one from an old toy or skateboard), glue it into the center hole of the spinner. A bearing will allow the spinner to rotate much more smoothly and efficiently. If you don’t have a bearing, you can use a pen or pencil in the hole to act as the central axle, though this will result in a less smooth spin.

6. Decorate the Spinner:

Once your spinner is fully assembled, use markers, paint, or stickers to decorate it however you like. Personalizing the spinner adds a fun touch and makes the toy uniquely yours.

7. Test the Spinner:

Now it’s time to give your homemade fidget spinner a spin! If it doesn’t spin well, check the balance and ensure the weights are evenly distributed. You can make adjustments as needed.

Optional Advanced Version:

If you want a more professional-looking fidget spinner, you can replace cardboard with plastic, wood, or metal. You can also purchase a bearing kit specifically designed for making fidget spinners. These kits often come with precision bearings and parts that are engineered for optimal spinning performance.

Conclusion

Fidget spinners can be useful tools for people with ADHD, especially for managing restlessness, improving focus, and reducing anxiety. While research is still inconclusive about their effectiveness, many individuals find them to be beneficial as part of a broader approach to managing ADHD symptoms.

If you're feeling creative, why not make your own fidget spinner? It’s an easy, cost-effective DIY project that lets you customize the design to your liking. Whether you make it from cardboard or choose to go for a more durable material, a homemade fidget spinner can be a fun and functional addition to your stress-relief toolkit.

For more information on ADHD and how it affects people’s daily lives, check out resources from Wikipedia on ADHD and NIH ADHD Research.