Fidget to Focus

I have trouble at two points in my sleep cycle: difficulty falling asleep and waking too early because my body is hyperactive and restless. In the latter case, I also feel bored with having slept so long already (but not nearly long enough!). It often feels like getting to sleep and staying sleep is a chore.

My fidget has to do with having pressure on my body to help me sleep. First, I sleep much better with very heavy blankets (in the summer, I turn the air conditioning up high to compensate). Second, my spouse notices when I get to the state where I need more help sleeping — not even being fully awake herself — and puts her feet and lower legs across my lower legs (about halfway down the calf), in effect, pinning my legs to the bed. This really helps! It’s like magic.

My other sleep fidget is to keep a talk radio on low all night, at a level where you have to strain a bit to make out the words.

Of course, getting to sleep also means good bedtime habits for ADDers — a different strategy than fidgets (and harder to do).

Your book has helped me so much and I often share the information with other ADDers, encouraging them to buy it.

- Silvia (from email)

I coach a lot of kids, teens with ADHD from upper class/upper middle class homes. They all want their kids to get straight A’s, of course. Well, as a good teacher, and having dealt with my own restlessness as well as with many ADHD teens in high schools for over 14 years, I experimented a lot with how to keep focused. Accidentally I found ways to do it: I used play dough, beanie babies, silly putty, food, you name it. Then I found your book!!!!

Not only do I feel justified for doing all those things that principal’s used to think were nuts, but my mind was set at ease. I also had a justifiable argument with “strict” parents for a way to allow their kids to find their own learning styles. That is so important.

I used to do all sorts of things with my daughter, who is now going to be a senior in high school and is on the Honor Roll. I was told she would NEVER earn more than a C and would always be just average!!!! Well, NOT.

Not only have I read your book, but I buy extra copies and hand it out to parents. In fact, I am going out and getting more books. I have one very uptight parent, and I want her to see what you have to say. I have said it, but your book supports my views and it’s actually in writing!!!! It sounds so much more scientific that way.

- Sandy (from email)

In the Ask the Expert section of the November 2006 issue of ADDitude magazine, a woman wrote that her boss was opposed to her knitting during meetings. You wrote that she should try some other, perhaps more discrete, mindless activity to help her stay focused (see Staying Focused).

I found many mindless activities in my local dollar store!

Your book lists the Alert Program web site as a Resource. When I checked out the products there I discovered that at the dollar store I had purchased a reflex ball, similar to ones priced from $5.95 to $15.95 on the website, for–you guessed it–only $1.00!

I also wanted to add that The Atlas Pen and Pencil Co. sells bendable pencils, velvet pencils and other sensory-type writing tools on the web site ForTeachersOnly.com.

- Anne (from email)

I crochet everywhere. If my hands have a hook and yarn in them I can sit through college classes, lectures, church services, or anything. Not only do I just sit (an accomplishment in itself), I can listen and tune into what a speaker is saying AND keep my mouth shut. This accomplishments could be on the top ten miracles list!

Also, I’ve noticed less behavior problems in classes when you give add kids either playdough, a small rope and illustrations on “how to tie knots, paper to do oragami–any thing to keep their hands occupied. They seem to remember more and participate appropriately when they can do something.

- Jeannie (from email)