Reacting to Fidgets!!

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We got a package of fidgets in the mail! So what better thing to do than react to all the new fun goodies! If you like any of the fidgets, you can get them at: fidgettoysplus.com/
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[@Sarah-ht7cs]

For anyone with a desk job that requires you to use both hands: When I had a desk job i used to keep a half-inflated spikey ball under my desk. I would slip off my slip-on shoes and squish that ball with my bare feet. Nobody knew, but it made a world of difference to me.

[@Tracy-xe9zu]

Yooo, that's genius

[@Catholicterp7]

My office had different foot rests. I would always use the bumpy one to do the same thing. It was absolutely a life saver

[@BankruptMonkey]

I love "foot fidgets". They let my desk be visually undistracting completely, they let me fidget, and I feel like they are helping to improve my NEAT levels and be healthier too. As a student I'd use the little tray built in under the desk seat, and as an adult they let you look totally professional while fidgeting.

[@karma5321]

genius

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I feel like a couple of those squish balls would be good for this.

[@LXReads]

I love this video, but I especially love that a *teacher* sent these! Teachers who support their ND students are true heroes

[@HowtoADHD]

F A C T S!!!!!

[@92RKID]

Jessica, I seriously agree with this! And your reactions were quite enjoyable and entertaining. Now I wanna get one of the squishy dough ball figets that can be used in a classroom! I would use it at work for when I'd be having to talk to my supervisor. It would help me be less anxious and more confident as I recover from old work trauma. And no one could say that I would be distracting anybody with it. It would be in my uniform pocket.

[@Ferno209]

Teachers deserve more pay!

[@michaelzeller9219]

#How_to_ADHD is the most important youtube_channel there ever was; I love you for that, no joke; I think without you I would be dead, and I'm dead serious 😆🤣

[@michaelzeller9219]

@@Ferno209 The most!!!

[@spectre9340]

I never thought that fidget toys could help people focus more but when I think about it, I'm notorious for clicking pens when I'm studying.

[@HowtoADHD]

Yuuuuuuuuuuuup. Clicky pens. One of the OG fidgets 😄

[@1Aroe1]

I adjusted to not clicking my pens in the classroom by just straight up disassembling and reassembling them. 😂 As if that didn't result in the tiny spring getting sprung across the classroom from time to time...

[@xxxzombiekillerxxx6079]

@@1Aroe1 same here lmao

[@martic5951]

I would click pens during exams 😅 without even realizing it until someone shouted at me... I wish I could have listened to music while writing exams

[@the.crafty.beauty]

I had a teacher in high-school who would lose her everloving Mind on those of us who clicked pens.. lol!!

[@listlessh]

"ADHDers aren't always the most self aware, so anything that gives us input is valuable" - me not realizing until age 28 that I'd been having mild panic attacks my entire life until someone asked me if I was having a panic attack

[@fuugari4395]

When I was in school, I didn't know I had ADD, but I used to shuffle a deck of cards to help me focus. The best part was that I always had a card at hand to "assign a task" to and place on my desk as a reminder of something or other. To this day, my favourite fidget.

[@RedMephit]

I know this is a month later, but I really love this idea.

[@marleythewizard]

I think "noisy" fidgets gets a bad rep, yes they are not fit for a classroom, but fidgets are not only for the classroom.

[@HowtoADHD]

Definitely no bad rep here! Since a teacher sent them we kind of stuck with the idea of using them in a classroom setting, but if you're in a setting where you can use a noisy one, go for it! I use clicky pens. 👀 Something satisfying about the press and click sound.

[@ladygrndr9424]

@@HowtoADHD My fidget cube goes with me EVERYWHERE, and when I'm stuck in traffic and don't want my brain to wander, out it comes. The switch and the clicking nubs are my favorites for just that reason.

[@katie1353]

@@ladygrndr9424 I have a fidget cube keyring so whenever I'm out with my keys in my pocket/hand I'm clicking it - fellow parents on the school run must wonder where the clicking is coming from sometimes 🤣 I also have a homemade rolling bead fidget (made with metal nuts on paracord for strength) for the days where I'm feeling less clicky 👌🏻

[@kariepw6792]

@@HowtoADHD I started using a disc bound notebook and spinning the disks around has become a fidget for me when I am using it.

[@keeshy]

@@HowtoADHD I built a custom mechanical keyboard and the satisfying sound and feel of the keys being pressed is like a fidget while working!

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

The "can't distract someone else" needs so many caveats but I can't think of a better way to word it

[@HowtoADHD]

Definitely and at the end of the day it'll likely be dependent on the students in the class and the teacher of the class... or... work.... if it's used at work! So the caveats may change pending location. That's definitely great to point out, glad you brought it up!

[@frocktopus9429]

Yeah I. Definitely felt weird about that thing, as someone who’s been told my spasms, involuntary vocal stims , wheelchair, even just how I look (trans and disabled) have been classed as distracting just for me existing, I feel like fidgets are a disability and neurodivergence tool and them making noise or being visually stimulating, where other things like that are usually banned, are a reasonable disability adjustment and the kids who need them shouldn’t have a harder time just bc other kids see them as toys (unless it’s distracting another kid that finds it hard to focus bc of neurodivergence or disability, or or triggering another disabled or neurodivergent kids sensory issues, then that’d need figuring out.)💜

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

@@frocktopus9429 i understand that sounds can be over stimulating to others. Especially autistic people. But that just gets me into thinking that maybe we should start putting more consideration into what kids we put in certain classes together. Like ADHD and autism are usually pretty compatible in gym or art but maybe a division between noisy and quiet classes should be considered for things like math and language

[@Prometheus720]

At a minimum it needs to be less distracting to others than what the student would be without another form of stimulation. Cost to benefit ratio

[@UncleverCarapace]

@@Prometheus720 I don't like this take. It feels like my high school dress code, where boys could wear basically whatever they wanted but a girl showing her knees or shoulders was punished because "it's a distraction to the boys." The possibility that a boy could ogle her was somehow her fault even though she's literally just wearing jeans and a tank top and minding her business. If a student with ADHD needs auditory simulation to be able to complete a test, the potential distraction to other students *is not their responsibility.* Let the teachers, parents, and any associated professionals worry about that. Besides that, if major distractions are a concern then either A) your students are rather young and your classroom isn't providing enough stimulation, or B) your students are old enough they should be able to self-regulate. Classroom design is the problem in the former, and if a student is noticeably distracted in the latter, *they* probably need a fidget or stim too. Imo fidgets are accommodations, and the point of accommodations isn't to make the disabled/neurodiverse student easier to have in class - it's to ensure *the student receiving the accommodation* is able to fully participate and reach their highest potential.

[@s1337u]

This is fantastic! As a teacher, I need to know how big/wet/sticky the mess will be when these are destroyed/picked apart. Lol

[@jw8223]

😂 I was just wondering the other day what was inside one of my fidgets and what the outside was made of. It’s one like the color change stress ball. I wouldn’t open it to destroy mine, but it might pop. I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing a video from someone about what was inside.

[@ddpwe5269]

It's usually a really thick jelly-like substance, it won't go flowing everywhere, but if you try to burst it on purpose with enough pressure, it can make a bit of a mess. If it's just wear and tear and eventually breaks open, it won't flow out too much. It's really sticky though! The one with the small beads inside would definitely minimize that jelly stuff quite a bit though. Although, could have projectiles if someone tries to burst it on purpose? lol

[@teoz21]

@@jw8223 sometimes it's tiny balls of jelly-like stuff. One explored in my classroom and I couldn't tidy it because of the texture! Luckily the kids really enjoyed playing hunt the tiny purple blobs 😂

[@jw8223]

@@teoz21 oh, the orbeez filled ones are so weird!!! And good for the kids for helping!!! Unfortunately one of mine (it’s a little dumpling shaped one that’s like the color change one) got a little hole a few days ago. It oooooooozed white liquid. I still want to know what it is 😅

[@gundamdeathrebirth88]

I had a color changer get popped. Note to self can't be repaired but it did get places only because my son likes to over squish them. He is autistic but we only lost one of those and orbees ones.

[@jaanaberg6125]

Jessica with the worm: This is meditative Me, who's frozen up staring at its movements because it's such a good visual stim: what

[@TheSightOfTheStars]

A note on those expanding/collapsing tubes! You can make them quieter by joining the ends together! Still not quiet, but quieter, for sure! 😊

[@HowtoADHD]

That's great to know, thanks!!

[@y0yl3c4k3_yt]

@@HowtoADHD Also, they are called "Pop Tubes"! :)

[@vickilssrb4405]

@@y0yl3c4k3_yt I actually have a short version that are made to add to if you want. Can't swing it to make the cool sound, but still satisfying to play with. 🤗

[@vickilssrb4405]

@@HowtoADHD ☝😉😁

[@alexba1ley]

Thx for the tip! I used to stim with these as a kid

[@leahhoughtby9646]

Those blocks of magnetic balls are fun, but can be dangerous for babies and little kids, so make sure you don't loose any of the balls, which do have an amazing ability to roll away and get into places you will never find them again (but a baby would).

[@dudesworth6957]

Came here to say this. They're known as "Buckyballs". They were previously outlawed because kids eat them and they can tear up your intestines. I had to keep taking them away from my daughter because a friend at school kept giving them to her.

[@KD-ou2np]

I totally almost choked on one of those when I was 5. I was playing in my room alone and no one heard me either and I had to hack it up myself... never put on in my mouth after that though

[@chuchu5923]

I just realized that my fidget has always been an automatic pen. In our class always been someone how clicked a pen and teachers were infuriated. And now I have a popsocket on the phone, best thing ever. It's cool that there are so many figets now, I hope there will be more that can be used with one hand and not distract others.

[@valeriekhall]

THIS! I struggle with constantly dropping things, (hoping to get evaluated for that soon), so getting an Otterbox + PopSocket phone case (They did a collab line, you guys!) was a lifesaver! I have 4 different PopSockets for my phone, each with a different texture I can switch out seasonally, so I don't get bored: Spring is a white iridescent series of concentric ripples (like a drop on water) with a rose gold edge, Summer is 3D iridescent BUBBLES! (my favorite), Autumn is a smooth teal aluminum faceted/beveled to look like a gemstone, & Winter is an actual polished smooth Amethyst (my birthstone)!

[@wurdnurd1]

I accidentally broke a popsocket because I fidgeted with it so much 🤣

[@chuchu5923]

@@wurdnurd1 Me too! xD I broke a little plastic mount that probably no one ever breaks

[@briliitos_negros3098]

Oh god, i literally was that one kid in the class who clicked the pen. Literally one time, i was on math and we had an exam and I was clicking my pen so fast that the teacher literally got up and took the pen away from me and at first got scared, then i got sad bc it was a gift from my girlfriend at the time (we switch up pens, i gave her my purple pen bc it's my favorite color abd she gave me the orange bc it's her fave color too) and then i got mad and didn't even do the rest of my exam after that. I got the pen the back the next day and got a bad grade too o(-(

[@chuchu5923]

@@briliitos_negros3098 oh bro... I hope you graduate well

[@maryhoover9235]

I just love you. I am a first grade teacher with a daughter and many students who either have ADHD or could benefit from the strategies you are teaching. My empathy and understanding has grown 500%since i started watching while I cook dinner, and my daughter now says, “hello brains,” because she has heard it so many times. I NEEDED this channel, thank you so much!!!!❤

[@xlaurenxsmithx]

I’m still obsessed with my fidget cube my friend gave me in college. Highly recommend for people who like to change sensory input frequently, the 6 sides let me switch it up when I get “bored”

[@andieluke1366]

The fidget cube was actually how I found Jessica and this channel! Was looking at the Kickstarter and checked her review of it, got hooked to the channel, and after a few years of watching her videos and reading the comments, began to highly suspect I have ADHD, and eventually was officially diagnosed 2 years ago at 39.

[@mookayla2889]

One of the fidgets ive always used is hair ties! You can twist them around and tie them together, so many things!! but also they are discreet because they are just on your wrist all the time

[@katie1353]

I always have a coily/telephone cord style hair tie in my wrist, they made brilliant fidgets.

[@uygraphy]

@@katie1353 I ruined many hair ties this way

[@mel.295]

Same here with the hair tie in class 😊

[@the.crafty.beauty]

Me too! Always have one on my wrist.. when I'm in meetings at work that puppy comes off my wrist under the table and keeps me occupied enough to pay attention and sit still. Such an underrated and super effective fidget!!

[@Emwest84]

I also do this :)

[@icecreamsandman]

I love your videos Jess! Also, outside of myself, I’ve never seen anyone react so viscerally the way that you did when you were testing the “sensory bad” fidget. It’s so validating to actually see that I’m not the only one who experiences that “kryptonite” sensation (mine are hologram cards)!

[@theboulder6350]

I for one really love the feel of hologram cards, and LOVE the “many magnets” sensation, but I totally understand where you’re coming from since for the longest time as a kid I hated the feel and especially the sound of certain rain jackets. That and expo markers on paper just sent chills down my spine(still do just thinking about it)

[@ANPaige]

My “kryptonite” would probably be trying on shoes - when they’re too small or tight my brain just kinda panics and I have to get the shoe off NOW!

[@kathahahn20]

My "kriptonyte" is anything that appears to be slimy. So it was quite hard for me to watch when Jessica used the stress balls or this tentacle ball in the beginning.

[@BekaLei]

@@ANPaige this reminds me of when the neck on the shirt does the pully thing over my head 🥶

[@Misora7303]

My kryptonite is the sound of a weared off pencil eraser, it physically hurts me ☹

[@Woolanie]

I use mostly natural things like chestnuts, flat gem stones or smooth pieces of wood as fidgets. Number one criteria to meet is: they must fit in my pockets- number two: nice surface and shape... Usually I find them somewhere outside and also after some time loose them somewhere... This is why I always make sure to have more than one at a time 🤗

[@decibike487]

I had never realized that my fidgeting with stuff could be a sympton of ADHD. The implications of this... I literally cooked to brainstorm through my thesis. Whenever I hit a roadblock, I would cook a dessert that I know how to do by heart so my hands were busy while my brain worked on something else. In my previous jobs, I used to have one of those things you open up with numbers and colours. It really helped me keeping focused. Until I broke it because it was made of paper and I used it. A lot.

[@lukemontgomery9683]

My favorite fidget was light switches. I have a big collection of them. From fifth grade to senior year of high school i always carried around multiple light switches in my book bag. I got some looks pulling light switches out of my bag but they were my favorite. I’m now realizing it probably looked like i was just taking them out of the walls hehe.

[@HowtoADHD]

Oh my gosh that's so creative and I love it! I wish I would've thought of that when I was younger! 😂 I looooove a good light switch!

[@Magnathia]

Just wanted to give you a shout out. Don't know why you tube recommended your channel to me but I have high functioning autism, ADHD, am an Army combat vet with PTSD and social anxiety... your video's have made a huge impact on me in a short amount of time... also, your thoughts on imposter syndrome and service dogs... im 100% there myself. Keep it up! your amazing! (PS, I never really talked about this side of me before, never felt right to acknowledge my own issues)

[@brindmusicnerd]

So glad you found the channel - it is such a treasure trove of quality information! In case you’re interested, I’ve also found these channels v helpful: Therapy In A Nutshell Dr Tracy Marks Take care 💚

[@MostlyHarmless68]

Quiet fidgets are great, I like them too. Most are too noisy to use around those of us who also have misophonia.

[@MichaelACurtis]

There is a word for it! Thank you for mentioning misophonia, I had never heard the term, but it describes exactly what I feel.

[@TheBjornEman]

Hey, I found that these work great for me, they are stern but don't make noise: chenille wire's. Maybe they could work for you as well

[@firefly-fez]

My absolute FAVOURITE fidget is a kneaded eraser. They can be found at most art stores, big stationery stores, and they cost like $2. They’re cheap enough that you can easily duplicate them and have one or two in every space. I love them.

[@mookayla2889]

not me realizing I forgot to take my meds halfway through this video

[@mookayla2889]

update: after realizing i needed to take my meds, I proceeded to continue lying on the floor and commenting on this video like 3 more times instead of actually going to get them. woohooo reminder to take your meds so you can remember that you need to take your meds

[@HowtoADHD]

Not me realising I forgot to take my meds halfway through reading your comment... WHOOPS. 🤝 Thanks for the reminder! 🤣

[@duck-cop9768]

4:58 “Oh now it’s pissing me off” had me dying 😂

[@lela1316]

Whenever she stated ADHD facts that correspond with me: * examines ceiling *

[@amandadeloff4278]

Her paragraph in the middle about friendships, how hard they are to start and keep and how as we get older we just expect the rejection, right in the feels. A jess truth bomb in the middle of a fidget toy reaction video! 💚

[@sarapattschull]

This was very fun. Also would love a video about sensory diet from you! That sounds interesting

[@brindmusicnerd]

Yes! Me too!

[@jest4328]

Lol, what impeccable timing! I had just finished watching Markiplier and Jacksepticeye's videos on fidget toys! 😄

[@StealthyGamerGirl2020]

Have you seen Crankgameplays aka Ethan Nesters. It was one of his that started me on my path to discovering my adhd

[@jest4328]

@@StealthyGamerGirl2020 I've seen the first one he's done; I'll have to check out the other two as well! 👍

[@bennathrai7489]

*quietly takes notes* 😜

[@Emwest84]

Me too! I just watched the markiplier one with my son bc he likes him. It was cute but this video is much more helpful to me :)

[@JordanLeigh]

My favorite fidget ever (after dozens of variety packs) is actually the brass gear fidget. It has four gears, and you hold the top and bottom gears based on how you want things to move. One set of gears will rotate the entire cube, the other set of gears holds the cube still while only the gears outside twist. It’s amazing and the bearings inside are SO GOOD, so it can spin for a long time but it’s very quiet. Like a good fidget spinner, so you can feel it moving in your hands. 10/10 recommend. Those and the monkey strings are great for me. I can use those one handed and not get distracted, because I’m squishing and stretching them around my fingers. My son on the other hand wants to treat them like a Spider-Man web and whack things with them like a sticky hand toy.

[@leahpy]

I recently got a Rubiks cube and noticed it’s amazing to fidget with (especially those speed cubes). And I also noticed that it helps me calm down and shift my focus, like when I‘m stuck at work :)

[@jameshollas4861]

Yep. There's a reason I have a Rubik's cube at my work desk. And I think speed cubes are quieter too.

[@jayjays8231]

Yes! Very much this! Learn to solve ‘em and move on to 4x4 and 5x5 ones. Not hard just more work = calm time. Also feels like an analogy of my mind. Going from extremely chaotic to satisfyingly ordered.

[@sofiamn_05]

Problem is they're loud af (edit: at high speeds). I wish i could use my cube as a fidget everywhere but I'd be super annoying

[@leahpy]

@@sofiamn_05 have you tried a speed cube? They‘re usually quieter :)

[@sofiamn_05]

@@leahpy yes, they're still really loud when you turn them fast enough, which is what's soothing for me

[@alinaigrad]

5:52 I love when you're making puns and not even realising. :))

[@alisonchristiana]

if you can handle the texture, i really love rolling around plastic curlers in my hand(s) during a meeting or when i'm driving. the velcro like texture on the outside is stimulating and the rolling it back and forth is soothing.

[@agoddamnferret]

The facial expressions are so much fun. I mean that in the "i can 100% relate to new fidgets" also can i get link to where you got these?

[@abhiswarakumbhare5468]

Was VERY fun to watch and hear

[@HowtoADHD]

Awwwwww, I hope the video was a nice brief break from stress

[@abhiswarakumbhare5468]

@@HowtoADHD yes! Thank you! Even my ears are happier than before; I had a very loud day today

[@RayceJacobson]

I understand why they put oil on the metal magnet balls, to prevent the balls from rusting. That's something i learned from the HEMA community: to keep your swords and chainmail from getting rusty, you apply oil to make a barrier from oxygen. HOWEVER, if I feel my hands getting greasy from a fidget, i'm gonna feel dirty. My first instinct would be to wipe it off, and I'll probably wipe if off on my shirt. Then once my shirt is dirty from the fidget oil, i'm gonna get self conscious about looking like a slob. I don't think a good fidget should make you feel dirty and self conscious.

[@howlouttonight]

I decided to get a set of play-doh the other day and I have now realized how much I like it as a fidget, especially when I want my fidget to be quiet. Just the feeling of molding the dough is such a good sensory feeling.

[@celyxise9546]

My go to fidgets at work are wire-ties (or paper clips in a pinch). The rubber coated metal ones. I can fold them into interesting shapes, the metal gives nice feeling resistance while the rubber is smooth and not doesn't let me pinch myself by accident. Its also nice that when they eventually give up on life from being bent a million times, there's a million more for barely any money.

[@KNRK379]

Cool to see am adult's reaction to fidgets. I'm a preschool teacher & we use them CONSTANTLY. Mostly for waiting in line or for some kids at whole group time. 2-handed fidgets are actually my preference, because fidgeting hands are usually hands that are NOT being unsafe w peers. I have started using fidgets for myself during meetings in the last few years (not ADHD, but gifted & have found sooooo much benefit.) It's fun to grow my collection & find new things for my students & myself. Teachers who love fidgets are out there! I hope more teachers discover their magic, though. Also, I'd like to add one of my rules about fodgets. "Fidgets are for you fingers, not your face." Gotta love teaching preschool!

[@catmcdonald1864]

This whole video is awesome! I have found an incredibly niche fidget for myself, but it only works if I don't need my hands for anything. It's called a lucet, and it's a tool for a medieval method of cord making. It's simpler than crochet or knitting (at least for me), so I only need to glance down at it occasionally, and it takes *just enough* of my attention that I can easily focus on a meeting or training session.

[@mjustjeanette7026]

Lucets and drop-spindles for the fidget.

[@loveearthspirit829]

Thanks for sharing! It looks amazing.

[@avalin8212]

I have a pack of the small magnetic balls too, they were awesome at first but then the paint started to scrape off when they were in contact with each other, and exposed the metal underneath. It started to smell like old pennies because of this and they don't move around as well anymore :c It was awesome when it was new though Also I would chew on those rubber pencil grips all the time when I was a kid! it was so satisfying lol

[@anothergeekychannel8384]

I love seeing so many fidgets! I definitely have my favorite go-tos that I usually keep in my backpack, and on my desk at home, and pretty much anywhere where I'll be spending a significant amount of "focus time." It's nice now that I'm in university and my teachers can't just take them away---as long as I'm quiet and minding my own business they don't care.

[@autisticinsweden]

I love this video. it's so useful to find out more about things I didn't know about even a month before. Since I discovered them, fidget toys have been such a help for my restlessness. I don't use my clothes or my hair any longer.

[@craigcarter400]

In my former marriage relationship I had to mask hard when it came to stimming and other ADHD / ASD quirks. I am so glad in my new relationship I can start to unmask with her because she does a lot of the same things because we are both ADHD / ASD.

[@amandaracinecurrier9769]

I really like small metal slinky's. Can be used with one or both hands, is quiet, isn't distracting, and has so many movement options.

[@cadebabade]

I joined this channel in 2016 and it’s been really amazing to feel like this channel has grown with me and I have grown with it. Thank you Jess for everything you’ve done. You’ve truly made my life better

[@moriahrivas5827]

I bought a set of three of those "asmr" stress ball things, and used them non-stop for a couple of months before the little plugs pulled away from the rest of the rubber. They were pretty cheap, so I wasn't too disappointed, but I haven't summoned the energy to replace them yet. The only thing that irritated me about them was that I always felt the need to get rid if the air bubbles inside, but the filling sort of compacts again if you leave them for a while, so the air bubbles always reappeared.

[@martic5951]

I love how you said "summon the energy" 😀 some days, some things are require too much energy that you need to summon

[@stevengudewich6873]

Jessica, I just discovered your videos about a week ago and have binge watched many of them. They have already made incredible progress for me and my life with ADHD. Thank you so much! Please keep up the amazing work you have done with this channel!!

[@ginnymay8965]

5:05 YES! I have one of those and I love it but also hate it! Because I get distracted so easily with it. But I love the feeling!! It gives me a deep excitement and joy just popping them! That deep and powerful joy is so overpowering sometimes that I become aggressive with the popping!!

[@teoz21]

ADHD teacher here, i love seeing students use their fidgets cos it helps so much! I like the rules your other teacher friend mentioned, with the not distracting you or others. I also have some sensory issues, those squishy ones made me shudder just thinking about them! I bet the metal balls would be fine for me. Sensory things are so funky! I want the pen end, I've trained myself not to chew but it's such a good stim and more "socially acceptable"! Thank you for sharing!

[@MrsBench]

I really enjoyed this video! ❤

[@AriannaLee-sj2gs]

What how do you have no replies 😅 I think I’m dreaming ☹️

[@sootycat2740]

I’m really stressed right now about all of the everything… A video from this channel is just what I need :)

[@bigsuavecito7]

I haven't seen all the fidgets yet, but I personally haven't found any that I like. They're all a bit distracting, I think I'd rather have a squishy, stress ball to squeeze.

[@HowtoADHD]

That's totally fair, fidgets help a lot of people but they don't always work for everyone! Or sometimes there are only a small collection that actually work for someone.

[@mythicalmim]

I’ve never specifically bought fidget toys for myself but I really need to. There are some at in my therapist’s office and I find it really helps my mind stay on track while I’m talking. I think I’d like some of the ones you tried!

[@evagand]

My go-to fidget is a kneedable eraser. Wonderful for sketching and a really good tactile stim! Worked wonders when I was in HS

[@charliefielding2297]

I like that you try to 'think hard', like stare of to the distance, while using them to see if they would be distracting. it feels like when you try to recreate all the weird stuff you do day to day when buying jeans!

[@ali_bug2357]

I have a ball version of the cube pop-it and it is so nice. You might like that one better. But I can see how that wouldn't work as well in a classroom because it would roll off the tables. Also, the slug toy is awesome as a one handed fidget for me. It can be distracting, but when you figure out how to play with it one handed it's great. I took it while I was shopping at Wal-Mart and it was so nice I wasn't picking my lip

[@ethanhaltom1830]

That “asmr” stress ball has been my go-to at work for the past month. Picked up a different brand at dollar tree and it’s been amazing

[@elizabethhouser3357]

Thank you for the parking lot notebook idea. My husband and I purchased and use our little notebooks from Staples.

[@tatharelprincessoferegion8162]

that atom ball would be PERFECT for trichotillomania! I need one

[@hahern242]

I love the popit kind. I use it to clam my anxiety while riding in the car when my husband is driving. Now to experiment with finding the right fidgets for my kids during school time.

[@leauxgan]

Perfect timing! I’ve been searching for a wearable/EDC fidget for work (as a teacher) so i’m loving this deep dive into different types of them

[@solalabell9674]

Stress balls drive my anxiety through the roof since they look like they’re about to pop

[@RenaissanceGirl]

Yes! More fidgets to add to my growing collection! 🤣

[@TattieLuWho]

I used to crochet small bookmark sized things for use in an inclusive classroom. I didn’t know it then, but am learning that the making of them and the project both were fidgets in a sense.

[@VentusNexus]

Honestly, your reactions were adorable! I feel the same way when I use fidgety or get something novel! It is so fun to relate to that and feel like I'm not the only one who gets excited over little things.

[@MorganVsTheInternet]

I almost get a snail fidget but it was too noisy for my taste. The stretchy noodle is probably my favorite quite fidget to take with me to lectures.

[@valclowes5901]

Love the rainbow worm! Need one for my percussion kit.

[@davidmarker8576]

Loved the video. Just wanted to note that I really love the relaxing aesthetic the blues and purples in your background give off.

[@alexba1ley]

I love hearing your reasons why each one works or doesn't work for you and your reminders that the ones that don't help you might help someone else. I'm someone who needs a lot of squishy feedback, so i'm gonna look up the color changing squeeze ball, the spiky boba ball (would be great to find a durable one. those type of fidgets break so easily), and the squishy memory dough ball. I'm especially interested in the latter one bc it's like dough or slime without the mess. Also you can clean it. I love stimming with dough and slime, but there's really no way to clean them when they get dirty. I hadn't thought about the emotional cue of friendship items, how it's nice to be reminded someone likes us 🥹. I'm almost crying just thinking about it, and I'm 32! I imagine it would be especially helpful for kids. Thank you!

[@Gadget_Evaluator]

Found you by your presentation today on How To ADHD. You are amazing and I appreciate what you are doing for many.

[@GrannyGooseOnYouTube]

You were so adorably funny in this video. 💗💗

[@Verity2true]

I have one of those colour change squeeze balls (brand Smooshos) and absolutely love it. When stressed it's great to just focus on the colour change and looking at the texture of the material inside the ball. Was in group therapy and whenever I saw someone stressed I handed them the ball and I never had anyone say it wasn't helpful. Also LOVE the sensory slug! The sound, colour, movement, it was hypnotic just watching and listening to it. On my list for the at home kit

[@sgomez1527]

my favorite one as a …. college student is a stress ball. it’s quiet, keeps me busy and i can still focus on class and i don’t distract anyone by moving around too much… or kicking or swinging my legs. i can use one hand and it requires movement! it’s easy to hide too.

[@Scooby-Snacks]

Omg, just learned I got ASD on top of the ADHD.. looking forward to the video as I learn how to stem to keep better focus on the day

[@HowtoADHD]

Hope it helps! :)

[@Scooby-Snacks]

@@HowtoADHD your channel has been a great resource. Thanks

[@wurdnurd1]

Thing to know about those squishy sacks of whatever (the stress balls): be careful about that stuff on the inside. I ended up throwing mine out because it looked like it was growing mold!

[@joeschmoe3000]

I keep a metal slinky at my desk in the office. The plastic ones don't cut it and my coworkers enjoy the sound/ rhythm the slinky makes. I love it!

[@lyzardthebard]

Sent this video to a friend who was chewing on a pen a couple days ago and it exploded in their mouth; this video will be really helpful for me and my group of friends! Thank you!

[@Acceleronics]

I use Tom's Fidgets during video meetings at work because it's small, quiet, and using it requires a bit of dexterity. No one knows I'm fidgeting if I keep it out of the camera line of sight. You may have covered this in one of your videos, but my analytical mind wants to know why these things work. Fidgeting does not distract me from the meeting. It helps me focus on the meeting.

[@RutabegaNG]

Our brains like to grab on every little thing that takes attention. They need a little more stimulation than average. So if your fidgeting with something that requires mental energy, you're giving your brain some of that stimulation and it allows you to spend more time focusing on what you need to. Not perfect by any stretch but I did learn a long time ago long before my diagnosis that if I was doodling in class I had a much easier time following what the teacher was saying then if I didn't

[@daviddx360]

I was just end watching one of your videos when I got the notification that you post a new video, I literally spend hours watching your videos they are like my therapy and I been learning a lot about ADHD and your videos has helped me a a lot I just love your positive vibes. 😸 I just found out that I have ADHD and it hasn’t been easy and haven’t really gotten into therapy just yet but 😕 But Thank You So Much you are amazing!!! ❤️

[@ntcssj]

Oooh! This inspires me to get more fidgets! I realized that in school/in my life I often used note taking as a stim/fidget so it was a very neurotypical-approved way to mask and also a helpful behavior so bonus. As an adult I started learning crochet and other crafts and found those can be good fidget when relaxing at home and creating is always satisfying, but they do require much more concentration, so it would be nice to have some other new satisfying fidgets. (Also ones that are friendly for my mildly arthritic hands/potentially soothing/massaging for them)

[@ProYagu]

Out of all the fidgets I've used, the simple Tangle is my favorite. It's easy to just mindlessly manipulate it, which is the most important thing for me with a fidget. It doesn't do anything unsatisfying or frustrating. I use a fidget cube as well, but it takes a bit more conscious effort to use specific portions of it, especially if I am trying to be quiet, and there are several extremely unsatisfying and stressful buttons that don't click or just don't have good tactile input.

[@liam_tomlinson]

hiii, i have a question. When I was about 7- 8, I was tested for adhd/add (like, a therapist assessed and talked to me and I had a brain scan-type of thing for Tourette [diagnosed with tic disorder later on]) and it was negative. I'm now 16 and recently I began to question if I have adhd (or well, the inattentive type mostly) because I can relate to a lot of people with it and the symtomps and showed some signs. And I just wanted to know, if it's possible that the therapist/doctors were wrong ? Or is that not likely and may be something else ?

[@xiola]

i got diagnosed on my 3rd try, at an adhd specialist when i was 40, after two negative results from general "psycho-educational assessments" from psychologists at around age 16 and 27, so they can definitely be wrong. Going to an ADHD specialist is unfortunately the best bet if you don't have what you might call a stereotypical presentation, since stereotypical presentation is often the only type of case the generalized tests will recognize (the specialist made me take different tests and had a different interview).

[@HowtoADHD]

There is always room for error, but there is also always the chance it could be something else. And if it's something accessible where you live, it's ok to get re-assessed now that you're older as well. Also what has helped some people is finding an ADHD specialist, so that could be worth looking into if you have any available to you.

[@adamorr6589]

I can speak from experience on this one. Your doctors/therapist may not have been “wrong”, but your brain also wasn’t as developed as it is now. When I was 13, I (supposedly) screened for ADHD and it came out negative. Then about a year ago, I decided to get tested again because doing college during COVID-19 while undiagnosed really brought my GPA down. I got tested (same doctor, but different therapist) and they found I have ADHD, Depression, and insomnia. If you have the resources to go get tested again, then absolutely go and do it! It never hurts to have a second opinion/look at things. I hope this answers your question!

[@ZaCloud-Animations___she-her]

I agree with the other replies, plus there's the fact that ADHD was not as well understood back then, as it is now. Even now, they're still not entirely sure about how it works, but they've learned that there's more to it than the previously short list of symptoms, & they now know a bit more about the physiological aspects of the condition as well. Getting reassessed is definitely reasonable & advisable, at least to help narrow things down. Enough time has passed that it definitely might make a difference in assessment parameters.

[@emdotrod]

A pen will become a good fidget toy for me because of clickity clackity

[@kayprice1028]

totally agree with you with the soft bubble cube--that's one of my faves.

[@Amanda_0518]

My favorite fidget has always been necklaces. Most things made specifically for fidgeting seem to fragile, hard to clean or just not appealing to me, but I love fidgeting with my necklaces, specially the ones with chains bc they vibrate when I move the pendant through it and I don't have to worry to much about breaking them

[@ALADDIN22091978]

I love the video , it is great for people with ADHD . Does a fidget help with concentration or distraction or even creativity ?

[@HowtoADHD]

It can, it just depends on the person!

[@ConManAU]

For me, focusing on some tasks requires a “Goldilocks zone” of background simulation. Too little and my brain flits around looking for something else to grab onto, too much and it becomes the foreground instead. I usually use music, but I’ve also considered getting a fidget of some kind to provide a more physical sensation and to let me stim in more public places.

[@TheEDFLegacy]

_Fidgits intently while watching this video._ Because, y'know, ADHD. 😅

[@HowtoADHD]

Ahahahahah right?!

[@trisciense]

I love the little magnets! Maybe not for school (i tend to drop/loose them) but seriously they are so fun like mini lego that makes basic shape and stuff. Very distracting though so maybe a after the exam is done kina thing.

[@leonardgoldmann2020]

My favourite fidget toy is a speedcube. (Just a rubiks cube that turns really fast and smooth) It can provide different levels of engagement depending on if I just turn randomly, do some algorithms or actually solve it. It is also very satisfying to turn and pretty quiet (at least mine is)

[@sckilham]

Have you ever tried a Jacob's Ladder? Its definitely not an in class fidget and it was originally designed to be a toy, but I keep one on my home desk and I love it. It's so satisfying, and I love just messing around with it as a fidget. I also like using it as a distraction when I get overwhelmed. I've had mine since I was a little kid and just recently realized what a great fidget it is for me!

[@julig4744]

HIII I'M SO EARLY OMG

[@HowtoADHD]

Hello! Welcome!

[@julig4744]

@@HowtoADHD hii :D I love you

[@estherbliek4734]

This video made me stuff a balloon with flour, close it up and clean it with soap to rinse of the awful balloon smell. Now squishing stress away whilst working on my thesis. I love your content Jessica!

[@Aroacerat]

Oooh, sounds like a good idea. Just make sure it doesn’t pop on you lol

[@AJB_twoleftwings]

For the fidget slug, the smaller versions are quieter, feel less like a kids toy, and (for me at least) are actually a lot more satisfying than those really big ones. They are definitely less distracting as a class fidget too.

[@Riding_with_dash]

3 rd !!!!!!!!!!!! I love your videos

[@HowtoADHD]

Welcome! Thank you so much!

[@RyanCoomer]

I am a zookeeper in chicago and I regularly feed the hippos day old sausages so they have a taste of their home. I put strings on the sausages and swing them around the hippos they get so mad at me and scream but it's an obsession sometimes the hippos try and break out of their cages but I keep swinging those hotdogs in wide circles over their heads. Luckily my boss doesn't know I do this or my cowork

[@icecrystal34]

Jessica I just love these videos like this one and the shopping one of you just being your neurodivergent self, i cant explain how it just nourishes my soul and makes me feel seen and heard and told its ok to be me

[@juliavunkannon4072]

I find one handed fidgets to be important as well. Nice to see that there are more of them out there!

[@wulf1923]

The stress balls that go back to the way they were before you "put the stress into them" probably make you feel like the stress just immediately settles back in... or that's how I feel about them...

[@88QueenOfHearts]

I never knew why I loved flipping my Chapstick between my fingers with one hand until I learned about fidgets and had my lightbulb moment. That's why I do this! Love these ideas in this video.😍

[@jmvjeroen]

As a kid I used to fidget with a tailors measuring tape. You can roll it, tighten it (makes a fantastic noise as the roll tightens, well, to me anyway), and roll it up even tighter. You can twist it, fold it in funny ways, (try) to stretch it, you can do it quietly, or make noises with the metal ends. Also very cheap yet durable, and it doubles as a measuring tape. Whenever I see one, I just HAVE to play with it, but more for nostalgic reasons.

[@livialynnlynn]

I will say some of them definitely may not be used for classrooms but can be so useful in other scenarios than life where you need something to fidget with. Ie: While reading, while watching TV, sitting in meetings, while working from home, sitting in traffic or just in the car. Those are use cases where a fidget having a little bit more volume would still be okay and very valuable to have.