Finding Focus and Calm: How Fidget Toys Can Help Manage Tics and Tourette

Hi, I’m Darren, your Tics Coach. In our continuous search for helpful strategies to manage tics and Tourette, today I want to spotlight a tool that might seem simple but has proven incredibly effective for many: fidget toys.

Living with tics and Tourette often means finding ways to redirect the energy and impulses that come with these conditions. Fidget toys, those small objects designed to be twisted, pulled, or spun, can play a significant role in this process.

Why Fidget Toys?

Fidget toys work by providing a sensory experience that can distract from or satisfy the urge to tic. For many individuals, including myself, these toys provide a way to release nervous energy in a controlled and harmless manner. They are especially useful in situations where tics might be disruptive or embarrassing, like in classrooms, meetings, or social settings.

Types of Fidget Toys That Help

There are various types of fidget toys available, each offering different sensory feedback:Spinner Rings - These are discreet and can be worn all the time, providing an immediate outlet for fidgeting without attracting attention.

Fidget Cubes - With switches, dials, and buttons, these cubes cater to a range of fidgeting preferences and can be extremely satisfying to use.

Stress Balls - Squeezing these can help with both physical tension and mental focus, redirecting energy effectively.

Tangle Toys - The continuous motion of twisting and turning these toys can be quite calming and is a favorite among my clients.

Incorporating Fidget Toys into Daily Life

Here’s how you can integrate fidget toys into your daily routine to manage tics effectively:

1.  Identify Situations Where Tics Increase - Start by identifying when and where your tics are most prevalent. This can help you decide the most beneficial times to use a fidget toy.
2.  Choose a Fidget Toy That Suits Your Needs - Not all fidget toys may appeal to you. It’s important to choose one that you find genuinely soothing and enjoyable to use.
3.  Keep It Accessible - Have your fidget toy on hand when you are likely to need it. This could mean keeping one in your bag, at your desk, or in areas of your home where you spend a lot of time.
4.  Use Discreetly as Needed - The beauty of many fidget toys is their discreetness. You can use them without drawing much attention, which is great for public or professional settings.

A Supportive Tool

Fidget toys are not a cure for tics or Tourette but they are an excellent supportive tool in the management toolkit. They can provide a focus point during peak times of stress or boredom, which are often triggers for tics.

Check out our recommended Fidget Toy's on Amazon with our curated Wishlist for Tics & Tourettes.

Warm regards,
Darren