Ever since the fidget spinner craze, fidget toys have been steadily rising in popularity. Yet these hand-held, fun-sized tools are more than just a fad. For children and adults, especially neurodivergent ones, fidget tools can help relieve tension, increase focus and release nervous energy. Which raises an important question for parents and carers: are fidget toys good for ADHD? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults, frequently causing symptoms like hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating and impulsiveness. While it’s commonly treated with medication and counselling, many teachers, carers and adults with ADHD themselves are looking into the benefits of fidget toys, including accessibility, affordability and ease of use. 

As Australia’s leading provider of sensory solutions, Sister Sensory specialises in high-quality fidget toys sold at affordable prices. With over 10 years’ experience, we’ve assisted many children and adults with finding the right fidget tools. If you’re wondering if fidget toys are good for ADHD, here’s the Sister Sensory guide.  

Types of fidget toys

Fidget toys are small objects that are easy-to-use, fun to play with and help both children and adults release pent-up energy in and self-sooth. Fidgeting increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, and fidget toys are an enjoyable way to let all the tension out and improve concentration at home, in the classroom or even while out socialising. 

Fidgets come in several popular varieties including:

Fidget spinners: This popular variety of toy features a device that rotates around a central axis, providing a focal point to look at. Fidget spinners can distract the mind from stressful thoughts and help improve fine motor control. 

Stress balls: Stress and sensory balls are small, squishable balls that are easy and fun to squeeze for a quick emotional release. 

Fidget cubes: These cubes come with different configurations of buttons, dials and cubes on the sides in order to cater to different sensory needs and tactile preferences.

Tangles: These malleable twisty toys are made from different interconnected pieces and are easy to twist and turn into different shapes. As well as being easy to manipulate, these toys also help strengthen hand muscles in children.

Slime and putty: Slime, putty and other sensory subtances offer tactile stimulation, allowing children to explore their creativity while also helping enhance hand-eye coordination. 

But if you’re caring for a child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or you have a recent diagnosis yourself, the most important question on your mind is likely to be are fidget toys good for ADHD? 

Do fidget toys help with ADHD?

There are three main types of ADHD that affect the type of symptoms presented: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Children and adults with the hyperactive kind may fidget, squirm or struggle to stay still more often. Those with the inattentive type ADHD may struggle with memory and have difficulty paying attention and following detailed instructions. Those with combined ADHD exhibit six or more symptoms from each category. 

Are fidget toys good for ADHD? Yes, although effectiveness may vary based on the type of ADHD and each individual’s symptoms. For those with hyperactive-impulsive or combined ADHD, fidget toys frequently offer much-needed stimulation and an outlet for pent-up energy. For those with inattentive-type ADHD, there’s the possibility they may be too distracting. 

There are other factors as well. Considering personal preference is always important: some children may prefer stress balls, others might naturally gravitate to slime or putty. Fidgets can also help adults with ADHD, who may find them particularly beneficial when working on a high-stress task. 

It’s worth remembering that while fidgets can provide benefits for children and adults with ADHD, they’re not a substitute for other forms of treatment like therapy or medication. Further studies are necessary on the benefits of fidgets for ADHD. If ADHD is significantly interfering with your own day-to-day living or that of the child you’re caring for, speak to a medical professional. 

Find the perfect fidget toys at Sister Sensory

Sister Sensory is Australia’s ultimate fidget toy destination, with sensory solutions for all ages and educational needs. 

A family-owned company and NDIS provider, we have more than 2000 diverse products for those with ADHD, autism, anxiety and sensory processing disorder. Our toys are not only fun to play with, they’re hand-picked for their therapeutic benefits by our experienced team.

Our partnerships with quality brands ensure our store is regularly updated with new toys and products. Our selection of fidgets and other sensory items include tangles, spinners, cubes, slimes and putties and just about every other kind of sensory toy you could want. 

Need some help selecting the right toy for your child, student or for yourself? Maybe you’d just like to know more about how fidget toys are good for ADHD? To get in touch with Sister Sensory, call us on 0401 689 313, e-mail info@sistersensory.com.au or drop into Factory 4, 4 Brooke Court Melton, Vic, 3337.