SAN ANTONIO - Your kids may have already begged you for a fidget spinner. They claim to reduce anxiety, especially for children with ADD and ADHD.
While there are no scientific studies to look into the effects of fidget spinners yet, a San Antonio licensed professional counselor said they could be effective at reducing anxiety in some cases.
The problem is, more and more kids are bringing fidget spinners to school when they might not necessarily need them. This is also causing distractions.
Dr. Martha Livingston with the San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center said if a child truly needs to use a fidget spinner in school, it should come as a recommendation from a school committee or child psychologist.
Livingston said school committees that determine this could consist of an administrator, teacher, school nurse and the child's parent.
She said there are some fidget spinner alternatives to cope with ADD and ADHD that could be less distracting, including breathing exercises.
"Usually, these devices sort of serve as white noise for the child, sort of a background noise. Teachers can use other things, like maybe classical music playing in the background," Livingston said.
Some area classrooms are also reportedly not allowing students to use them during school hours.
Livingston said she would encourage parents to speak with an LPC or child psychologist to find out whether a device like a fidget spinner could help their child manage ADD or ADHD.
