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adhd fidgeting and movement, what helps?

2 replies

Dayorigami · 09/10/2026 17:03

DS (age 9) waiting for an assessment for adhd . He shows all the classic signs and really has trouble with concentrating at school. He constantly fidgets with stuff on his desk, for example flicking his ruler or dropping his rubber from a height. Also, always jiggling in his seat and regularly getting up and moving around. Basically struggles to stay still. He is the same at home and watches tv upside down, can't sit through a whole meal etc.

Has anyone got any suggestions for something that he could have in the classroom to help with his need to move. I was thinking maybe a stress ball for his hands but is there something for feet or do those wobble cushions help?

OP posts:
bowpi · 09/10/2026 17:26

my son, same age, adhd diagnosed has tried a lot. For the feet what seems to help is an elastic band, like those gym bands tied around the chair legs so he can bounce his legs on there.

stress balls seem to be unpopular with our teacher. As he throws them like juggling balls, but we have a ruler with sensory bits on, sensory pieces you can add to a pancake, which he could also chew on. Wring or wristbands so it’s not too obvious.

also weighted collar for his shoulder or weights for his legs.

we were never allowed one of those cushions, but that’s another thing worth trying, I guess. It’s a bit hit and miss what works but keep trying

Dayorigami · 09/10/2026 18:12

I can imagine it's a bit trial and error. His teacher suggested the cushion. Resistance band on chair could be good, he may well end up throwing a stress ball. I think the teacher is hoping to find something that isn't distracting to the other kids.

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