What did you find interesting? Is this something you would recommend to a patient?

Week 14 Discussion 2: Complementary Treatment Reply Post 2

Response Post

1. Review two of your peers’ second posts and create a response for each. What did you find interesting? Is this something you would recommend to a patient? If you would like more information, please describe.

2. Your responses should include evidence of review of the course material through proper citations using APA format.

3.  Chelsea Gray – Monday, 2 December 2019, 7:16 PM

4.

Week 14 Discussion: Fidget Toys

5. Fidget toys have increased in popularity over the last few years. These devices were originally marketed as tools to improve attention and relieve stress in individuals with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory disorders (Cohen, Bravi, & Minciacchi, 2018; McClain, Jackson, & Robson, 2018; Sammer, Kan, Sammer, & Donnelly, 2018). However, fidget toys are now promoted as focus-enhancing devices for the general population (Cohen et al., 2018). Fidget toys are relatively inexpensive, readily accessible, and widely used by elementary and middle school children (Priya, Lakshmi, Babu, & Thomas, 2019).

6. Fidget toys, particularly fidget spinners, have sparked controversy among parents, teachers, and health care professionals. Unfortunately, rigorous research pertaining to fidget toys is lacking (Byrne, 2019; Schechter, Shah, & Milanaik, 2017). Research has primarily focused on fidget spinners and indicates that overall, the proposed benefits of these devices is scientifically unfounded (Schecter et al., 2017). In fact, most literature indicates that fidget spinners may actually worsen concentration and promote distraction (Cohen et al., 2018; Graziano, Garcia, & Landis, 2018; Soares & Storm, 2019). Furthermore, fidget toys pose a significant risk for injury due to ingestion of small parts such as LED lights and lithium ion batteries (Pereira et al., 2019; Sammer et al., 2018). While it is not entirely unreasonable to assume that external devices may decrease hyperactivity and improve focus to some degree in certain individuals, fidget toys should be used with caution. Furthermore, the type of toy must be age appropriate and safe. Those that are quiet and autonomic, such as squeeze toys, putty, and worry stones, may be a better choice (CHADD, 2019).

7. References