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You are here: Home / Fine Motor Activities / Fidget Spinners’ Therapeutic Benefits

Fidget Spinners’ Therapeutic Benefits

May 17, 2017 by Amy Smith

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I am delighted that these new fidget spinners are so popular!  For years, I’ve been recommending different kinds of fidgets to kids who are antsy, nervous, hyperactive, or anxious.   Before spinners came along, many children were hesitant of using fidgets because they felt “different” than their friends.   But now with these fidget spinners gaining so much popularity, nearly all kids are using them regardless of whether they actually need to.  Fidgets, like these spinners, are much more than just another fad toy, they can be excellent tools full of therapeutic benefits.

Fidget spinners can benefit kids and adults in therapeutic ways while also being a mainstreamed, "mom approved" tool.

Unfortunately, the studies to back up benefits that are specific to spinners aren’t there, partly because they are so new, but there are plenty of research articles like this  ADD Magazine article and this  Wall Street Journal article supporting the effectiveness of fidgets.  Since a spinner is simply a kind of fidget,  the research about fidgets can be reasonably  applied to spinners as well.

Fidget Spinners’ Therapeutic Benefits

  • Spinners expel nervous energy-Think about the subconscious movements you make when you feel nervous (i.e. biting nails, pacing, tapping, mindlessly snacking).  Spinners give your hands something constructive to do when you feel nervous.
  •  Spinners decrease anxiety- Fidgets can take away the focus of tension (i.e. a conversation, a test, etc…) and instead re-directs it to the spinner
  • Spinners restore control to the individual- We cannot control all the factors that surround high pressure situations (likes tests or social events) which causes great anxiety for some.  Spinners restore some control back to the individual during perceived “out of control” situations, empowering them with more confidence and security.
  • Spinners provide calming visual stimulation- Because the spinners are predictable in their direction and speed, they are calming to the eye.  Again, when situations feel out of control, individuals find security in predictable, reliable objects such as these.
  • Spinners initiate conversation- Because spinners are a fun, unique fidget coming in all different sizes, shapes, and colors, many kids are curious about them and will strike up a conversation about them.

Spinners can be spun on the fingers for a soothing tactile experience

“Mom” Approved Benefits of Fidget Spinners

  • Spinners are inexpensive!  Yay!!  Finally there’s a therapeutic gadget that only costs a few bucks!
  • Spinners don’t require power– You don’t have to worry about batteries or charging them, they work on good, old-fashioned muscle power.
  • Spinners are appropriate for all ages- Parents don’t have to worry about inappropriate content, violence, or innuendos with these spinners, unlike some popular toys on the market.
  • Spinners don’t include screen time-  Wow, there’s finally something available that kids love which doesn’t involve a screen! These are much healthier for their brains and eyes than the screens.
  • Kids really do love these- These spinners are the craze right now and for once its a positive toy with great benefits.

The spinner can be controlled by the individual, restoring control to a perceived "out of control" situation

Who Can Benefit From Fidget Spinners?

Spinners aren’t just for kids either, individuals of all ages can benefit from using fidgets, but especially individuals with the following:

  • Anxiety
  • ADHD/ ADD
  • Autism or Aspergers
  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
  • Behavioral Problems
  • Inattention/Difficulty Focusing
  • Shyness/ Social Anxiety

This fidget could benefit kids with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety.

Where Can You Find Fidget Spinners?

Although some retail stores are having difficulty keeping up with the demand, there are tons to choose from at Amazon- check out these


Why Are Fidget Spinners Getting a Bad Rap?

As with any gadget, its not a one-size fits all approach.  Some children will use it inappropriately and they can turn into a big distraction.  As an occupational therapist, I have learned to set limits and boundaries with kids when using fidgets to ensure they are being used properly.  Teachers and parents can do the same to make sure these spinners don’t “spin” out of control.

Although this seems obvious, it needs to be stated, these spinners will not “cure” your child of any ailment or diagnosis they have, but rather they should be viewed as a tool to include in your therapeutic toolbox that may benefit your child in some way.  As with ANY therapy tool, it will work for some and may not for others…. a lot is simply a matter of personal preference.  If this isn’t working for your child, put it away and try something else….. maybe from one of these other great sensory activity ideas.  Enjoy!

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Related

Filed Under: Fine Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: fidgets, spinners

Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Comments

  1. Vanisa says

    May 23, 2017 at 12:43 am

    Could i know more about how to help a child with downsyndrome who has speech delays.what can i do from home .tq

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      June 7, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Hi Vanisa-
      I have sent you an email with some ideas. Thanks for reading!

  2. Claire says

    June 22, 2017 at 3:40 am

    Hi Amy!
    I’m a fellow OT looking for good explanations for spinners. Friends who are teachers are concerned the upcoming school year will have more challenges because of the popularity of spinners. I look forward to referring them to this post!

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      June 26, 2017 at 2:10 am

      Yes, I have some family members and friends who are teachers and strongly dislike the spinners. It’s different looking at them from an OT perspective. I think ground rules are important and also making rules on an individual basis. Thanks for sharing!

  3. G-kay says

    June 23, 2017 at 1:39 am

    I have the same view, i would rather see them playing with a spinner than on a iPod, tablet, or phone any time!
    I drive school bus and most of the time fidget spinners are great it keeps my passengers seated and busy. But some times they fight over them because the kids who don’t have a spinner wants to try some one else’s and that’s when the fights start.

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      June 26, 2017 at 2:06 am

      Good points- Thanks for reading and sharing!

  4. Tri Tran says

    July 20, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    I am for the fidget spinners and the people who are ignorant about these therapeutic toys should be educated..

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      July 30, 2017 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks for your thoughts! I agree that there’s a lot of misconceptions about fidget spinners too.

  5. Dahlia Brown says

    July 27, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    My 5yr old son has low tone in his hands and has a hard time gripping. Can you rec something specific he can do with a spinner? Like a home exercise plan? Thanks.

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      July 30, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Check out this post on everyday activities you can do with your child to increase hand strength…. they are fun and don’t feel like “work” for kids. Hope this helps!https://kidsplaysmarter.com/everyday-activities-building-fine-motor-strength/

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Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

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