Fidgeter on the Roof

As you know by now, I don't have ADD. But I am extremely fidgety. 90% of the time, I'm biting or picking my nails. So attractive, I know. I got it from my mother. Nail picking is classified as a highly repetitive motor behavior (stereotypy) and a self-injurious behavior. The cause is most likely a need for sensory stimulation and/or a need to relieve frustration.

At the ADDA conference, I attended a session called Fidget to Focus by the authors of a book with the same name. As I took a seat toward the back of the room, I noticed a miniature slinky had been placed on my chair. It was only about one inch in diameter, multicolored, with a smiley face on the side. I spent the entire session stretching the little face and striving to push it back together perfectly in one shot. And I'll tell you something - the session went a lot faster than it would have if I didn't have Mr. Slinky.

But that was the point. Everyone needed a Mr. Slinky or some other "fidget toy," as I learned they were called. For ADDers and (inexplicably) me, playing with a little toy frees up our "listening ears."

If something we are engaged in is not interesting enough to sustain our focus, additional sensory-motor input that is mildly stimulating, interesting, or entertaining allows our brains to become fully engaged and allows us to sustain focus on the primary activity. (www.fidgettofocus.com)

Now that I've discovered Mr. Slinky, I bring him to business meetings all the time. I'm noticibly more alert, my colleagues don't seem to mind, and my fingers aren't bleeding. But sadly, Mr. Slinky's face has become distorted, so here are some fidget toys I hope to acquire (and maybe you will too):

Magnetic Desk Sculpture

Bead Stress Ball

Koosh Ball

Magic Ring

Comments

[annab]

I've heard of people using knitting. I do, for long conversations at home.

[Kim G]

I discovered knitting about 10 years ago when I was in university (and my ADD was still undiagnosed). I was amazed how much easier it suddenly became to pay attention in lectures and how it calmed my "anxiety attacks" (which were actually my hyperactivity coming through).

Socks, hats, or smallish scarves are ideal projects to take along. I can't stay focused long enough to complete a sweater!