People with ADHD, of all ages, have so much going on in their brains that there is a neurological spillover, an excess of neurological discharge that needs an outlet. This is where fidget toys can be invaluable.
need them as much as kids do. Why should kids have all the fun? Actually, it’s not fun that fidget toys provide, but focus.
How can that be, asks the co-worker who’s annoyed by the fidgeting, or the spouse who regards fidgeting as immature behavior, or the supervisor who says, “Stop fiddling around and get to work”?, of all ages, have so much going on in their brains that there is a neurological spillover, an excess of neurological discharge that needs an outlet. This is where fidget toys can be invaluable.
If the word “toy” bothers you, give it a new name. How about a “neurological discharge overflow receptor and neutralizer”? Or a “neurological harmonics regulator”? Or a “self-monitored alpha-wave stabilizer”? Of course, it’s still a toy, but since adults like fancy names, why not give it one, since a rose by any other name smells as sweet?]Tap a pencil during a boring meeting. A pencil is a great fidget toy.
How could he focus on the meeting if he was focusing on the game? This is the paradox of ADHD. We focus better on one thing by focusing on something else. This is multitasking, and I have cautioned against this many times. But this is a variant on multitasking that actually works. For example, I do all my writing while listening to music. The music engages the part of my brain that would otherwise distract me! So it is with JFK’s game. But be careful, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Do not use screens as fidget toys. They are annoying to others. But do find a favorite fidget toy and use it. It will enhance focus and kill the boredom when you have to pay attention.