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Telling Kids with ADHD to “Stop Fidgeting” is Totally Misguided
Did you know that kids with ADHD actually learn better when they can move around? A recent study from the University of Central Florida revealed some fascinating insights about this. Researchers looked at 52 boys aged 8 to 12, half of whom had been diagnosed with ADHD while the others were typically developing. They gave these kids tasks that tested their “working memory,” which is basically how we process information to learn and understand new concepts.
While the kids worked on tasks like sorting jumbled numbers and matching letters, the researchers observed their movements. Mark Thompson, one of the study’s authors, found that hyperactivity in kids with ADHD isn’t constant; it really shows up when they’re engaged in learning activities. He noted, “What we discovered is that when they’re moving the most, they tend to perform better… They need to move to stay alert.”
So, forcing ADHD kids to sit still and stop fidgeting can actually hinder their ability to learn. It turns out that kids without ADHD also moved during these tasks, but they didn’t perform as well. Instead of always trying to minimize their hyperactivity, we might want to rethink how we support these kids. Allowing them to fidget, bounce on an exercise ball, or even use a stationary bike could really enhance their learning experience. In a school environment that focuses heavily on testing, this could lead to a shift in how educators design their classrooms and lessons.
Thompson emphasizes that it’s not about letting them run wild but about creating an environment where they can move enough to stay alert and engaged.
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In summary, instead of telling kids with ADHD to stop fidgeting, we should embrace their need to move as a crucial part of their learning process. Understanding this can greatly influence how we support their education.