The Science Behind Fidget Spinners and ADHD: More Than Just a Toy

As a parent, you know that your child can sometimes have a hard time concentrating on the task at hand. Children are notoriously easy to bore, meaning it can be tricky to keep them entertained and on topic. However, while most kids struggle to focus, an estimated six million children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is a complex disorder with multiple variables and factors at play. However, some evidence suggests that one way to alleviate its symptoms is by keeping the mind occupied with a relatively simple task. Enter the fidget spinner.

Fidget spinners have been around for decades, but now, they can be a helpful way to mitigate the worst effects of ADHD and boredom to help your child focus. So, let's break down the science of why fidget spinners might work for you.

What is a Fidget Spinner?

An official "fidget spinner" is a device that uses a ball bearing to allow a multi-pronged shape to spin in place. The idea is that the user holds the device in the center, spinning the shape between their fingers. There are multiple variations of the fidget spinner, but they all utilize the same basic principle.

When Did Fidget Spinners Come Out?

The first fidget spinners, as we know them, came out in 1993. However, at the time, they were barely a blip on the radar for most parents and children and weren't very popular. The inventor of the fidget spinner, Catherine Hettinger, allowed the patent to expire in 2005 because she couldn't afford to renew it.

Then, fidget spinners really became mainstream in 2017. However, because the patent was no longer valid, it allowed companies of all shapes and sizes to create their own copycat versions.

How to Use Fidget Spinner for ADHD

Thus far, research surrounding fidget spinners and ADHD is mixed, and there's not a clear consensus on whether the toys provide substantial benefits. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that toys like these can help kids focus better, particularly when in school or doing homework.

The idea behind why fidget spinners work is pretty straightforward.

When a child gets bored, their mind tends to wander onto other, more stimulating topics. So, during a school lesson, it's common for kids to get distracted and start doing other things like doodling, tapping, or humming.

While these actions can seem annoying to outsiders, they're designed to keep part of the brain occupied. This way, the rest of the mind can listen and absorb the information being presented.

So, instead of tapping a pencil or humming a tune, students can spin a fidget spinner to reduce distractions. This practice doesn't work for all kids, but when it does, it can yield noticeable results.

Buy The Spinny Thing From Two Bros Bows

At Two Bros Bows, we cater to children and understand how hard it can be for kids to focus. So, we developed our own spinning toy, called The Spinny Thing. This device is compact and discreet, and it helps engage the part of the brain that's prone to hyperactivity and distraction. The weight and visual style of The Spinny Thing are excellent, meaning this device could become your little one's new favorite toy.

Whether your child has ADHD or just gets distracted easily, we encourage you to see if The Spinny Thing can help. It fits in almost any pocket and is lightweight and rubber-tipped for safety. Buy yours today!

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