There’s been so much attention the past few days about whether Ritalin is effective for treating ADHD, you may have missed the news that fidgeting can help manage ADHD. That’s right, fidgeting actually helps kids with ADHD stay alert. Time Magazine reported last week that a new University of Central Florida study shows that ADHD kids move around in order to help them stay focused. In fact kids with ADHD may actually learn better when they are fidgeting!
Teachers in Minnesota and Wisconsin have been experimenting with flexible desks that allow children the option to either stand or sit at them. The New York Times reported that researchers from the University of Minnesota have been studying the impact of these flexible desks on the academic outcomes of children using them.
Finally, a study published in the journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology shows that doodling actually improves your ability to remember details, rather than indicating your mind is wandering.
Here at Edge, we know that fidgeting can be used successfully to help manage ADHD symptoms. In 2005 our Executive Director, Sarah Wright, co-authored, Fidget to Focus: Outwit Your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD. Next month we’ll tell you more about this book that started it all! In the meantime, take a look at these reports – perhaps they’ll give you ideas of things to do at school or work to improve your focus. An ADHD coach can also help you discover which strategies work best for you.
Did you already know that fidgeting was a way that helped you focus? Tell us about it. We’d love hearing from you about how you keep your edge!