Do fidget toys work?

Do fidget toys have therapeutic value?

We have seen fidget toys crazes come and go.
From the cube to the Tri-fidget spinner but do they work?

Fidget toys only work when they provide proprioceptive input in the form of resistance or deep pressure input.
Proprioception modulates the nervous system. This means the nervous system can receive more information from the environment and use it effectively.

When a child struggles to concentrate or has a sensory overload the nervous system cannot use information, from the environment, as effectively and thus the child cannot perform adequately.

The above mentioned 2 fidget spinner IS NOT EFFECTIVE as it doesn’t provide proprioceptive input.

What do effective fidget toys look like?
The key is a toy that provides deep pressure input and/or resistance.

• Roller with pins (available form www.satoytrade.co.za)
• Squiggle balloons (available from Crazy Store)
  Or you can make it yourself using Helium balloons and flour – just remember that they
  can break when twisted
• Pressure ring (available form www.satoyrade.co.za or any pet shop)
• Resistant clay/Prestik (available from PNA)
• Do-it-yourself slime ball (recipe on my Facebook page or Pinterest)
• These elastic bands are available from Mr. Price Sport (hairbands). They have a firm resistance and will help with development of the intrinsic hand muscle as well