Toys For ADHD: Keeping Kids Engaged

If you have or are working with a child who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might be interested in toys that provide real benefits for ADHD symptoms. Toys that can stimulate memory, aid focus, improve motor skills, and alleviate stress may be ideal for children with ADHD. A few suggestions may include worry stones, fidget cubes, and Silly Putty. For more personalized guidance in supporting a child with ADHD, speak with a therapist in your local area or online.

Learn the best ways to support a child with ADHD

Consult a licensed therapist online

Potential benefits of fidget toys for those with ADHD

According to the experts from CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), fidgeting may improve attention, aid memory recall, and enhance problem-solving skills for people with ADHD. Studies also suggest that fidgeting may improve attention and focus as well as cognitive performance. 

Keeping hands busy and releasing energy

Having a physical outlet, such as a fidget toy, to release excess energy may improve performance on tasks, according to some researchers. 

In general, fidget toys are marketed to keep hands busy while aiding the development of fine motor skills and improving focus. They may be advertised to calm and soothe individuals while reducing self-stimulatory behaviors, like tapping and kicking. These toys can include magnetic balls and spinners. 

Considering benefits versus potential distractions of fidget toys for ADHD

CHADD points out that some elaborate fidget toys lack science-proven benefits and could be distracting. At the same time, fidget tools like squeezy balls or Silly Putty may enable a child to have a quiet fidgeting outlet. CHADD experts typically recommend quiet, non-distracting toys, such as squeeze balls, fidget cubes, chewing gum, and worry stones. 

Parent perspectives on fidget toys for ADHD

While fidget toys often receive mixed reviews from experts, many parents attest that they can be useful for their children. One study, for example, considered the opinions of 129 parents. Their findings suggests that parents of neurodivergent children usually "perceived fidget toys and fidget spinners to be overall more beneficial" than parents of neurotypical children, especially in terms of their purported ability to reduce anxiety. 

Fidget toy recommendations

ADDitude Magazine recommends the following fidget toys and tools:

• Tangles: These can be considered classic ADHD toys that may be taken apart and put back together in different configurations. Primarily used for younger children, they come in various bright colors. 

• The Monkey Ring: This is a fidget toy with spiky rings that is primarily intended for sensory processing needs, allowing for squeezing, twisting, or rolling against the skin, which can be useful for self-soothing when a child is over-stimulated. 

• Bouncy Bands: These can be seen as a type of footrest that may be attached to a child’s desk or chair to prevent their feet from kicking and scraping their chair and desk. 

• Wikki Stix: These toys are typically made of wax and yarn and allow a child to squish, bend, and sculpt. They may help with focus, sensory stimulation, and fine motor skills. 

• Silly Putty: This durable and classic toy can be stretched and squished into various shapes. It can be versatile and quiet, and it may also build motor skills. 

• Fidget spinners: These toys are normally designed to be held between the thumb and middle finger and freely spun. They may help a child relieve stress and improve focus while reducing more disruptive behavior. 

However, the use of fidget spinners can be controversial, especially in the classroom. Some schools claim that fidget spinners can be distracting to other students and may cause harm if thrown. 

Sensory ADHD toys

Sensory toys are generally intended to relieve stress and stimulate a range of sensorial experiences, from olfactory and visual to tactile and auditory. Such toys can include chewable necklaces and weighted blankets for reducing anxiety, balance boards for improving balance and coordination, and scented bubbles. 

Additional factors to consider before buying a fidget toy

Before purchasing a fidget toy, you may want to consider the appropriateness of the toy, the specific needs of the child, and the possible benefits and risks. You may also want to check your child’s school's policy on fidget toys and ask whether they have any available in the resource center for student use. 

Questions to consider before purchasing a fidget toy

The impact of physical activity on ADHD

Intense movement has often been linked with "better cognitive control performance" in children with ADHD. According to one study with 44 children with ADHD, "more intense movement was associated with better performance in the ADHD group." Without fidgeting, children with ADHD usually performed worse on assigned tasks.

There is also evidence to suggest that physical exercise can improve ADHD symptoms and executive function. 

Therapy for parents of children with ADHD

Helping a child manage their ADHD symptoms can be challenging at times. If you believe you might benefit from receiving professional support, connecting with a licensed therapist can be helpful. 

When convenience is a factor, online therapy may be an excellent choice. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp, for instance, can enable you to have sessions with a therapist by phone, videoconference, or online chat at a time that suits your schedule. 

Effectiveness of navigating challenges with online therapy

A large body of research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as its face-to-face counterpart. One study stated that online and in-person therapy typically produce the same client outcomes when treating a variety of mental health concerns.