Diagnosing and treating children with ADHD and anxiety disorders can lead to better academic performance, improved behavior and higher quality of life. So, when a toy hits the market claiming to be a treatment method, and kids love it, what should parents do? School’s out for the summer, and the fidget spinners that irked so many teachers these last few months will soon be whirring away in your home.
Do fidget spinners work to treat ADHD?
There is no research backing this claim. Since the claim is promoted by the people who sell fidget spinners, it should give consumers pause.
There is research supporting the idea that movement can help kids with attention disorders concentrate. However, this study involved spinning in a swiveling chair. No studies have shown these specific types of toys to work.
Do fidget spinners improve focus?
When it comes to fidgeting as a tool to focus on other tasks, children without ADHD experience decreased focus or no significant change in focus. You wouldn’t give Adderall to a kid without a prescription just because it happens to work for a kid with a prescription. Similarly, while children with ADHD could thrive in a multitasking environment, children with the ability to focus on one thing at a time should practice that skill.
Are fidget spinners harmful?
Well, they’re toys. There are certainly more risky ways for kids to entertain themselves. The only harm is when advertisers make medical claims about products that have no scientific basis. If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s health, please ask your pediatrician for advice. We can provide treatment options with proven benefits and documented risks.
