It’s not just boys in elementary school who have a hard time sitting still. Neurodivergent people of all ages and genders may struggle with a desire to fidget or engage in other self-soothing repetitive movements, known as stimming.
While there is nothing wrong with stimming, in some situations it can be disruptive, embarrassing, or even self-destructive. Some common examples of stimming include nail biting, skin picking, rocking, pacing, hand flapping, or leg bouncing. If you’ve ever caught yourself spinning a pencil in your hand or doodling in a meeting, that’s stimming! People stim for a variety of reasons, often to help them process large emotions such as anxiety or joy or to increase focus. Adding stimulating behavior to a boring environment can help increase and sustain attention, especially for those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD.
Fidget toys exist to help redirect these behaviors in a quiet and non-disruptive manner. They can be used in school and office settings, and are small enough to carry with you wherever you may need them. Research has demonstrated that fidget toys are particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. A study conducted by UC Davis in 2015 demonstrated that individuals with ADHD perform better the more that they move (Hartanto et al., 2015). However, hyperactive behaviors often have disruptive results in the classroom and social settings, creating challenges for both children and adults inclined to self-soothing movement. Fidget toys can be an outlet to help funnel this desire for movement into a productive and manageable way.
For people with autism, stimming is a crucial part of self-regulation. Fidget toys can help provide a comforting textural experience that grounds a person and aids in their function. It is exciting to see that as dialogue about stimming becomes more commonplace, the number of fidget toys available continues to grow. Here are our five favorite options for adults!
- Rings
Fidget rings are an excellent choice for adults due to their small size and subtlety. Some rings are built to spin easily on your finger, while others have small balls you can move around. There are also spiky rings that can be rolled up and down your finger, creating a comforting sensory experience. I have found personally that fidget rings are one of the best options for limiting how much I pick at my cuticles or nails.
- Spinners
Perhaps the most popular fidget toy is the fidget spinner. Rising to popularity in the early 2010s, fidget spinners quickly became a widespread choice for those looking for something to do with their hands. These days, there is a wide variety of creative spinners available to purchase. They come in different colors, shapes, and styles, meaning there is something for everyone. Some light up, some make noise, and some are discrete and small, perfect for those looking for a quiet tool for self-soothing.
- The squeezy and the squishy
Another style of fidget toys is the assortment of soft and squishy toys you can play with. Many people find comfort in a stress ball, putty, or slime. These toys provide a soft, comforting texture that many people use to lower stress levels and release excess emotions. There’s a reason stress balls decorate many desks at work: they are quiet, cute, and come in a variety of different forms. This makes them another great choice for adults looking for something subtle and soothing they can keep nearby.
- Push and pop fidget toys
Soft silicone push and pop sheets are silent toys that’s quite similar to the experience of popping bubble wrap. The soft malleable texture of the sheets is very pleasant to many, while the motion of popping the bubble back and forth is engaging and stimulating. These boards come in a slew of different colors and a wide range of sizes, making them suitable for many people across multiple situations.
- Fidget cubes
The fidget cube is a great option for those looking for a variety of kinds of stimulation. A fidget cube is decorated on each side with a different type of fidget toy. Depending on the one you choose, you’ll find buttons, switches, dials, and even thumbsticks that resemble those on a video game controller. Fidget cubes are widely loved by those who want something stimulating to do with their hands. One con of fidget cubes is that they can be loud, sometimes making clicking noises that make it a distracting choice for meetings or classes. However, its varied design makes it a great choice for many people.
Bonus tip:
All of these toys are small and transportable. This means it is easy to keep with you so you have it any time anxiety comes up, or you find yourself really needing to focus. One of my favorite tips is to look for versions of these toys you can add to your keychain. That way, you’ll always have it when you need it!
To explore the options of fidget toys available, we recommend browsing Etsy, Therapy Shoppe, or Sensory Toy Warehouse to find the best option for you. Existing with autism spectrum disorder can sometimes be a challenge in a neurotypical world, especially as a woman, so it is important to learn to advocate yourself and seek out resources for success. Be kind to yourself as you explore different ways to support yourself, everyone’s needs are different! What fidget toys are your favorites? Which ones do you want to try out?
References
Hartanto TA, Krafft CE, Iosif AM, Schweitzer JB. A trial-by-trial analysis reveals more intense physical activity is associated with better cognitive control performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child Neuropsychol. 2016;22(5):618-26. doi: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1044511. Epub 2015 Jun 10. PMID: 26059476; PMCID: PMC4675699.