How fidgets benefit UC’s neurodivergent community

Co-President of the Neurodivergent Society, Inari Evison, 32, thinks fidget toys have a benefit for those who are Neurodivergent.

The popularity of fidgets began with the emergence of fidget spinners in 2017, and more recently, pop-it fidgets have taken centre stage, even earning dedicated sections in stores like Kmart.

Traditionally, these wonderfully colourful, textured and squishy sensory objects, known as stim toys or fidgets, were designed to occupy the hands of neurodivergent individuals. Who are estimated to make up around 15-20% of the population, according to the Institute of Neurodiversity.

Neurodivergent is a term that describes people whose brain learns, processes and functions differently from what is considered ‘typical’ – this can include diagnoses such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism and Tourette's Syndrome, among others.

But what exactly makes these toys so captivating and helpful to a significant community of people?

UC Psychology Senior lecturer above the bar, Dr Seth Harty, said some neurodivergent individuals use fidgets to "increase their sensory experience."

For some people, fidgeting can productively stimulate the brain and, in turn, improve focus, reduce anxiety or stress, promote creativity, regulate emotions or relieve restlessness.

Dr Harty said that researchers are still developing their understanding of sensory objects, but they have observed that fidgets can be more distracting than helpful for some people.

Dr Harty said it's about finding what works for you, and "If it's taking your attention away, then it's not working.”

Co-President of the Neurodivergent Society (NDSoc) at UC, Inari Evison, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021 and has found fidgets beneficial.

NDSoc is a newly established club at UC that aims to unite neurodivergent students and foster a safe, supportive community. It welcomes all students, and diagnoses are not required for entry.

Despite being very open about being neurodivergent, Evison said she doesn't bring sensory toys to uni unless she's sitting an exam because she sometimes feels "a bit self-conscious."

Instead, she fidgets with pens in class as it is more discrete and quiet.

To help normalise fidgets, NDSoc had a fidget station at their club's day stand filled with "stimmy things" borrowed from club members.

"Some people were like, oh my gosh, this is like the coolest thing that I've ever touched," she said.

Inari said the fidget station was a fun way to connect with potential new members as "different neurodivergent people like different sensory stuff", so it prompted lots of discourse and interaction.

Evison said her favourite fidgets are popping fidgets, fidget cubes and soft toys like squishmallows.

She said she has always been a fidgety person and was first exposed to the concept of sensory objects through the emergence of fidget spinners.

Her fidgeting began with the purchase of a cheap, $2 sequinned Christmas decoration from a discount store.

"You can make fidget toys out of anything really if you're fidgety enough," she said.

Evison said using fidgets "feels nice, and it feels good," especially when concentrating, managing emotions, or simply seeking fun.