Expert: Toys might help anxiety but autism? We don’t know
Fidget toys appeal to all ages but for different reasons, according to consultant psychologist Dr Elena Touroni.
She said: “They’re appealing to children as they occupy their hands, which can help them focus their attention. For adults, they’re appealing because they offer distraction, helping to move the mind away from any worries.”
However, despite being marketed as beneficial for those struggling with conditions including ADHD and autism, scientific research remains inconclusive, and Touroni is cautious about the findings.
She said: “There is no direct research that shows they are helpful for those with ADHD and autism. It’s only that we can
infer that they may be helpful as evidence shows they can be help with attention. There is also some evidence that they can have a calming effect and help with anxiety, too.”
Play expert Therese Hoyle says that although being able to keep their hands busy with sensory toys can be soothing for children, the appeal is probably much simpler.
She said: “With the Pop It, it’s something they can do with their friends, so there’s a social or competitive element, too – how many bubbles can I pop in one minute, that kind of thing. It’s definitely a collectible and has that group culture element. If your friends are doing it, you want to do it too.
“Quite a lot of schools actually do have baskets of fidget and sensory toys in the classroom, although most schools I work with would suggest children don’t bring their own in. It can create a bit of, ‘This person has something and I don’t’, which puts pressure on families. However, they do get into bags and lunch boxes anyway.”