A Personal Account of How 3D Printing Enhances the Fidgeting Experience

Fidget toys are small, handheld devices that can be manipulated in various ways. They are often used by people who have trouble focusing or staying still. Such as those people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fidget toys can provide a sensory stimulation, a distraction, or a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. In this document, I will share my experience with fidget toys. I will also show how I use my 3D printer to create different styles of them

How Fidget Toys Help Me with ADHD

The diagnosis of ADHD came later in life for me. However, i have always struggled with paying attention, staying on task, and controlling my impulses. Often I feel restless, bored, or overwhelmed by the demands of school, work, and life. I have tried various medications and therapies, but none of them have completely solved my problems.

One thing that has helped me a lot is fidgeting. Fidgeting is the act of making small movements with your hands or feet, such as tapping, clicking, or twisting. Fidgeting can help me release some of the excess energy and tension that builds up in my body and mind. It can also help me focus better, as it gives me something to do with my hands while I listen, read, or think.

Fidget toys are one of my favorite fidgeting tools. I like how they can be spun, squeezed, flipped, or twisted in different ways, and how they feel in my fingers. They can be used with one hand or two, or balance them on my thumb or nose. Things like the speed, direction, and force of the movement can also be varied. Fidget toys help me calm down when I feel anxious, distract me when I feel bored, and motivate me when I feel stuck.

How I Use My 3D Printer to Make Fidget Toys

One of the drawbacks of fidget toys is that they can be expensive, fragile, or hard to find. That's why I decided to use my 3D printer to make my own. 3D printing is a process that creates physical objects from digital models, layer by layer. I have a 3D printer at home that I use for various hobbies and projects.

Making fidget toys with my 3D printer is fun and easy. Designs can be my own models using software like Tinkercad, or download existing models from websites like Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory. There different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials for my chosing. can also customize my fidget toys with bearings, magnets, lights, or other accessories.

3D printing fidget toys allows me to experiment with different styles and effects. I can make fidget toys that are simple or complex, light or heavy, smooth or textured, symmetrical or asymmetrical, and so on. I can also make fidget toys that are themed after my favorite movies, games, or characters.

Conclusion

Fidget toys are beneficial to people with ADHD, as they can provide a sensory stimulation, a distraction, or a coping mechanism. I have found fidget toys to be helpful for my ADHD symptoms, as they help me release energy, focus better, and feel more relaxed. I also enjoy making my own fidget toys with my 3D printer, as it gives me a creative outlet and a way to personalize my fidgeting experience. Fidget toys are more than just toys, they are tools that can improve the quality of life for people with ADHD.