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Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.
Sensory Fidgets & Fidget Kits
Jeanette Loftus
It can be very challenging to be calm, focused and sit still when you have ADHD or Sensory Processing Disorder. Children can really struggle in school to pay attention and get all of their schoolwork done in time for their teacher.
Fidgets really can help children to focus better at school and in their classroom. There are tons of different fidget toys for children, Each child has their own sensory needs so not all fidgets will work the same for each child.
You may need to try many different fidgets to find which one is best for your child. I prefer squishy fidgets but my children do not enjoy them at all because we have different sensory needs.
Everyone needs fidget toys and tools for many different reasons. Not everyone will need a fidget for focus or calming. There are some children who need fidgets for chewing, others children need fidgets for focus and some children will need fidgets to redirect behaviors such as picking. Fidgets are not only toys, but they are sensory tools that help people everyday.
Fidgeting can be a great way to release energy and help us stay focused. Fidgeting can be more than just a habit of playing with a toy in our hands. Fidgets can help us cope better or manage our sensory overload and anxiety. Sensory fidgets have become more well known over the last few years for calming and focus, benefiting children and adults.
There are many reasons why someone who would need a fidget. Some of those reasons could be twirling hair, they can't sit still or they are chewing on their clothes. Fidgets are great sensory tools for self regulation. Fidgets can be very calming for a child and help them with focus.
Sensory fidgets are small and fit in your hand. Fidgets can be squeezed, stretched or twisted. Fidgets can provide tactile sensory input that helps children who are struggling with sensory processing disorder or children who have anxiety, are autistic or have ADHD.
When a child fidgets. it will help them concentrate more on what they are doing, Fidgets can help a child while they are working, reading, working, or studying. Fidgets do stimulate the senses and are calming for children and adults. This will help us stay focused on a task for longer.
One of the great things about fidgets are they reduce stress and anxiety. They have a repetitive motion that can be soothing for us and help us to relax. When you are feeling anxious, fidgets can redirect those anxious thoughts you are having too.
The Benefits Of Fidgets - increases focus and concentration - reduces stress and anxiety - improves learning and readiness for writing - enhances hand-eye coordination - develops muscles in hands in fingers - promotes creativity - calming self-regulating tool - offers deep pressure - provides sensory input and relaxation - improves fine motor skills and calms the nervous system
There are so many types of fidgets now. I remember when fidget spinners and fidget cubes first came out and how everyone was using them. They were so popular. Some fidgets that children may use will require them to use their fine motor skills. These fidgets and how they work will improve a child's dexterity and their hand-eye coordination too.
Fidgets can be used as a self-regulation tool, especially for children. They can help children to calm down and manage their emotions, leading to improved behavior and self-control. Fidgets can also provide a sense of security and comfort for individuals who struggle with sensory overload or anxiety.
Tactile fidgets can be squeezed and squished like stress balls, playdough, slime, putty, and sensory fidget squishy toys. These fidgets can provide tactile sensory input through touch.
Chewing Chewelry fidgets are for sensory chewing and can provide children and adult with gustatory sensory input. You can purchase chewelry in many different shapes and colors and some chew pendants and chew necklaces have different sensory textures too for children or adults who want extra sensory input.
Fidget jewelry has been becoming more popular and there are a lot of different options available now too like rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Some of these move or spin and can be clicked. This can be a more discreet way for people who need to fidget to do it and not be as noticeable to others around them.
Fidgets can be very beneficial for children and beneficial for adults too. Not everyone is going to like the same fidgets. Everyone has different sensory needs and just because one person enjoys fidgets spinners than that doesn't mean that everyone else will. Some fidgets make more noise than others and those are better left at home and there are some fidgets that are quiet and are best used in more quiet environments like a classroom or a library so they are not distracting to others around you.
It is important to consult with your child's occupational therapist and ask them which fidgets would be best for your child's sensory needs. If your child requires the use of fidget tools in their classroom, you may need to include those accommodations in your child's Individual Education Plan. Sometimes we have to advocate for our child's while they are in school.
Children and adults who have Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD or are autistic need to have sensory breaks throughout the day as part of their sensory diets This will keep them regulated. We should include sensory breaks all throughout the day even when they are not displaying the need for it.
Everyone has different sensory needs that require different sensory tools or accommodations in their sensory diet. Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder require and need sensory input in their sensory diets. We should never use fidgets or sensory tools as rewards. We should always have sensory tools available for self-regulation.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links on my website. Each of your purchases through links on my website for Amazon affiliation links or sponsored links support me but no additional cost to you so thank you. I appreciate it so much!
