FIDGET CLOTHES TO IMPROVE KIDS’ CONCENTRATION IN CLASSROOM
CLOTHING for fidgeting children has been designed to improve concentration in the classroom. Invented with children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in mind – Fidgetees is the brainchild of education experts in South Wales.
A Barry-based business called Earlyversity worked on a clothing concept for a year, using focus groups and research with teachers, children and parents.
The group claims that its designs, which feature a small fidget toy attached to a T-shirt and resting inside a pocket, is a UK first.
Company director Peter Thomas, a teacher, said: “Many children can rarely sit still. It is not because they do not want to but because they simply cannot.
“These children have an uncontrollable urge to move or fidget. Their overwhelming need of movement is beyond their control.
“Punishment is counterproductive. For many, their brains are telling their bodies to get up and move to help them listen and attend better.”
He said fidgeting is moving away from its old stigma, and is now considered an accepted coping mechanism, not just for children but adults, too.
He added: “Even most adults can relate to a fidget, as they frequently use their own brand of fidget every day.
“For example, we often doodle, wind and unwind the telephone cord, or play with our pen. We do this naturally, almost subconsciously, to keep focused, and our brain thinking better.
“It’s only in the school environment where we say ‘stop doing that’.”
The Earlyversity team launched its design this week.
The company had previously sold fidget toys, but the new design means the toy will stay with the child for the entire day.
He added: “The principle of fidget toys is recognised across the world.
“For some children, the use of these fidgets has been proved to improve concentration, aid development and support full integration and inclusion.
“With the validation we have received from parents, and settings where we have trialled our product, it is exciting to realise and bring to the world a product that we believe will not only change understanding but also lives.”
According to Mr Thomas, Fidgetees aim to create a sense of focus, calm and selfregulation for the child.
The group said it was made not only for those diagnosed with learning disabilities such as ADHD, autism, OCD or Tourette’s, but also those with what he called “behaviour issues”, which could often be caused by undiagnosed conditions.
Candice Ringer, director at Earlyversity, added: “It is with pride that we bring this simple but proven resource to families who have a child with additional needs and to see the incredible changes that it will bring.
“Developments in children have been seen, with huge improvements in behaviour, accessing activities, learning and engagement.
“This simple idea could change the way every child feels and learns to self-regulate difficult emotions and feelings.”
Mr Thomas said the group is now in contact with schools and charities and plans to contact the Welsh Government to see if it can help promote the product in classrooms.
They are hoping it will be adopted by schools across the UK, and even be incorporated into uniforms.
He added: “Of course it’s not suitable for everybody, but I think this has the potential to change an awful lot for children who need to fidget.”