Written by Jennifer Cox LCPC
Fidgeting is a sign that a person with ADHD doesn’t have enough stimulation and they are trying to stay focused.
Multiple studies have found that people with ADHD are more likely to fidget or seek out other forms of stimulation in environments with low or no stimulation. The less stimulating, the more difficult it is for someone with ADHD to tolerate it.
To cope with that feeling of deprivation, the ADHD brain looks for ways to increase the sensory stimulation they’re getting from the task. It’s a self-regulating mechanism – People with ADHD often need to seek out external stimulation, such as playing with jewelry, tapping their foot, or doodling to keep themselves on task. Self regulating helps to boost or lower attention levels depending on what is required, either calming or energizing.
While everyone has a tendency to feel bored during under stimulating tasks, ADHD brains are less equipped to resist impulses and push themselves to get the task done.
So, instead of trying to stop fidgeting since it helps one calm the mind, focus, and concentrate. One should utilize them, trying to figure out which ones work best for them such as auditory, physical, or visual. Remember, a good fidget activity is one that doesn’t interfere with your ability to do the task or create further distraction, it allows your brain to tune in on the task you’re actually supposed to be doing.
Tips:
-Utilize fidget objects when your hands aren’t needed
-Add non-distracting stimuli to increase stimulation your brain is receiving
-Change your environment: Make it more interesting and enjoyable by decorating your space with things you enjoy
-Listen to music or noise such as rain, waves, or nature sounds
-Invite others to join you
-Chew gum to active your Reticular Activating System (RAS)
-Wear fidget jewelry
-Exercise before boring tasks to help increase dopamine, improve focus, and reduce the need to fidget
So why do fidgets work:
-They increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the way ADHD medications do (Both play a key role in sharpening focus and increasing attention)
-Decreases the search for stimuli, allowing the brain to focus on the task at hand
-Helps relax the hyperactive body so the mind can block out distractions, fight boredom, and increase productivity
https://www.additudemag.com/focus-factors/
For more information or help with executive functioning, contact 815-363-0864 or jennifer@echcounseling.com
