Ignore the behavior as much as possible, especially if it isn't disruptive. Offer lots of praise and attention when he isn't doing it. Give simple reminders to help your child know when he is doing it. For example, his teacher might give him a special hand signal or tap on his desk when he is fidgeting a lot.
Allow for brain breaks.
Kids who fidget may need an outlet for restless energy. Give them short breaks from what they're doing to move around. It can reduce stress and frustration, as well as improve focus when they come back to what they were doing.
Fidgeting is a common symptom of neurodevelopment disorders such as ADHD, processing disorders, learning disabilities and Asperger syndrome (ASD). It occurs when your child carries out tasks that are not interesting enough to sustain his or her focus.
You might even see one or two who are moving non-stop. Perhaps they rock back and forth in the chair, bounce their knees up and down or wiggle in their seats. Frequently there is a reason for all this movement, students with “fidgety child syndrome” may wiggle to stay in an alert state to be ready to learn.
But yes, fidgeting is a common symptom of ADHD, says Dr. Brian Zachariah, a psychiatrist at Mindpath Health. Fidgeting may look like tapping your foot, drumming your fingers, or constantly shifting in your seat. Many people with ADHD tune out when tasks are understimulating.
Children with ADHD may stim more in the form of fidgeting. This can entail a child squirming in their seat but can also include more noticeable and disruptive behaviors, including speaking over other people, humming loudly, picking at skin or hair, or pacing back and forth.
While some assume that fidgeting means the person is distracted or not paying attention, the opposite is true for people with ADHD. Fidgeting is a sign that the person with ADHD is trying to stay focused, but the task they're focusing on isn't providing their brain with enough stimulation.
Fidgeting is usually a harmless response to stress or boredom, but it can also signal a health problem. Some repetitive movements may be a medical symptom. For example, moving your legs constantly to relieve pain may indicate restless leg syndrome.
Some experts believe that constant moving or fidgeting – even in toddlers – may signal a form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Mild fidgeting is common and usually occurs as a reaction to needing to concentrate. As long as it does not interfere with your life, no treatment is needed. Severe fidgeting that feels outside your control may be a sign of a more serious health problem that needs to be addressed.
A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often: Fidget with or tap his or her hands or feet, or squirm in the seat. Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in other situations. Be on the go, in constant motion.
Fidgeting is a response to anxiety or boredom. Anxious fidgeting occurs because the body has elevated levels of stress hormones, which are prepping your muscles for sudden exertion.
Constantly fidgeting and squirming. Invading personal space. Melting down in public. These can be signs of both ADHD and sensory processing issues.
If You Can't Stand It When People Fidget, You May Have Misokinesia.
Causes of ADHD
Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked). Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
In general, ADHD doesn't get worse with age. Some adults may also outgrow their symptoms. But this is not the case for everyone.
Not everyone with ADHD needs medicine. But medicine can help most people with ADHD stay focused longer, listen better, and fidget less. People also benefit from therapy to learn and practice skills like staying organized, managing schoolwork, or dealing with stress.