First, fidgets can help with sensory process- ing. Many life experiences can be overwhelm- ing with unpredictable or abundant sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes, too. By providing predictable sensory stimulation and input through touch, pressure and move- ment, fidget users can regulate and balance their nervous system. Second, they can support self-regulation. Small, repetitive movements can provide an individual with a sense of calm and possibly reduce their stress and anxiety. Allowing the body to find a rhythm allows a release of nervous energy. Third, fidgets can help build sustained atten- tion. Through releasing a bit of energy, fidget- ing can improve focus. Allowing 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. Any- one 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 BOARDROOM, 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! 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!
Autism Resources A n autism diagnosis does not come with a handbook, but Cincinnati Family Magazine has put together a list of wonderful resources for families. New for .2026, families will find neurodivergent-affirming mental health care providers and pediatric dentistries that offer special needs services. Be sure to also head online to www.cincinnatifamilymagazine.com to check out our special needs directory, addi- tional articles, event roundups, and resources. PHOTO BY KIEM PHAM
EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES
Campus-based instruction for grades 6-12, transition program up to age 21, electives, extracurriculars and so much more Cincinnati Center for Autism 100 Commercial Drive, Fairfield, OH 513-874-6789 | cincinnaticenterforautism.org CCA offers a school program, appointed based services and summer services Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute (COTI) 4400 Carver Woods Drive #300, Blue Ash, OH 513-791-5688 | cintiotinstitute.com The largest OT private practice in the area with over 30 years of expertise Elite Kids Therapy 8520 East Kemper Road, Suite 201, Cincinnati, OH | 6860 Tylersville Road, Suite 5, Mason, OH 513-444-0770 | elitekidstherapy.com Assistance with IEPs, ETRs, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Intervention Teaching and more The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 513-636-4611 | cincinnatichildrens.org Testing and Diagnosis, Behavioral Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Group Therapy, Early Intensive Be- havior Intervention, Brief Intensive Behavior Treatment Program, Brief Intensive Toilet Training Program, Brief Intensive Feeding Treatment
Ohio’s Help Me Grow 1-800-755-GROW | helpmegrow.gov
Families with concerns about delays or dis- abilities in children up to age three can seek Early Intervention through the Department of Children & Youth
Kentucky’s First Steps 1-877-41STEPS | chfs.ky.gov
Kentucky’s Early Intervention System pro- vides support and services for families with children birth to three who have develop- mental delays or disabilities
THERAPY SERVICES
ABC Pediatric Therapy Multiple locations abcpediatrictherapy.com
Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy as well as specialty services like Feeding Ther- apy, Torticollis Therapy and more
Applied Behavioral Services Multiple locations 877-797-1352 appliedbehavioralservices.com
Speech and Language Pathology, Behavioral Counseling, Art Therapy, Occupational Ther- apy, Music Therapy, Social Skills Groups, After School 1:1 Focus Sessions Heidt Center of Excellence by Best Point Education & Behavioral Health Multiple locations 513-272-2800 | bestpoint.org
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2026 19
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