Brains On! Science podcast for kids Do fidget toys really help people focus?
Oct 21, 2025
Dr. Julie Schweitzer, a renowned neuroscientist from the UC Davis MIND Institute, dives into the science of fidgeting, exploring its role in focus and self-regulation. She explains how fidget toys can help some kids, especially those with ADHD, but may distract others. The discussion touches on the history of fidgeting, from baoding balls to modern toys, and emphasizes that personal preference matters when selecting fidgets. Dr. Schweitzer also provides practical tips for using fidgets effectively in classrooms.
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Fidgeting Is A Universal Behavior
- Fidgeting is small repetitive movement people often do without noticing.
- The show frames fidgeting as a common human behavior, not just kids' trouble.
Patient Denied Fidgeting While Doing It
- Dr. Julie Schweitzer described a patient who denied fidgeting while grabbing items off her desk.
- The exchange revealed many people fidget without realizing it.
Fidgeting Lets Humans Move Small When Still
- One theory: fidgeting lets us move in small ways when big movement isn't possible.
- That helps satisfy our built-in need for physical activity from ancestral lifestyles.