AND BEYOND!) Kids will be kids! And children playing with fidgets in an unintentional, unruly way may have teachers considering rules regarding fidgeting. However, when used intentionally and with clear expectations, they can be a helpful tool rather than a distraction. A classroom with students that are regulated, calm and focused is also a classroom that is set up for success and lots of learning! KULTURECITY SENSORY INCLUSIVE CERTIFIED VENUES Did you know there are lots of amazing local attractions that have become certified through KultureCity as sensory inclusive venues? They have obtained continuous training, offer guests sensory bags and taken additional steps to make their venue more welcoming to those with sensory needs. Making accessibility a daily occurrence helps create an accepting and inclusive community! Learn more at kulturecity.org and check out KultureCity’s amazing work at:
Louisiana Children’s Museum 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans lcm.org Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans Quiet Room and sensory bags caesarssuperdome.com Smoothie King Center 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans Quiet Room and sensory bags smoothiekingcenter.com The Historic New Orleans Collection 520 Royal Street, New Orleans hnoc.org The National WWII Museum 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans nationalww2museum.org Newcomb Art Museum 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu So whether a child is using a fidget at home or at school or whether an adult is embarking on a fidget finding journey of their own, it is clear: Fidgets are so much more than just a fad!
the body to move in a concentrated and rhythmic way can give the brain the focus needed to attend a task in a more meaningful way. REGULATED. CALM. FOCUSED. The abundant and deep benefits of fidgets definitely should urge society to reclassify them from mere toys to true tools. WHO BENEFITS FROM FIDGETS An individual does not require a diagnosis of any sort to enjoy a fidget’s benefits. Anyone looking to hone their focus or enjoy an exhale of relief from the world’s stressors can pick up a fidget and give it a whirl. Feel itchy with stress? Take a moment and try bouncing a leg, flexing fingers to a beat, chewing some sour-flavored gum, or squishing a stress ball. With all of that said, individuals with anxiety and neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders may benefit from adding fidgets to their arsenal of everyday tools used to navigate life. The benefits are the same. The main difference between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent use of fidgets would be that the level of need would affect the frequency of use . RE-INTRODUCING FIDGETS TO THE CLASSROOM (AND BOARD ROOM,
Audubon Zoo 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans audubonnatureinstitute.org
Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium 1 Canal Street, New Orleans audubonnatureinstitute.org
2026 FAMILY FAVORITES GET READY! NOMINATIONS BEGIN APRIL 15 nolafamily.com/family-favorites/
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