InCrowd Survey: Fidget Spinners Useful for Children With ADHD, Autism & Anxiety
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But first-ever survey of doctors also shows disconnect as same percentage consider gadget a toy

BOSTON, MA May 25, 2017 – Like most parents and educators, doctors don’t seem to know what to make of fidget spinners and whether these gadgets offer any benefits. Almost two-thirds of doctors who treat children say the gadget can be helpful for those with ADHD, anxiety, and autism, while the same percentage consider fidget spinners a toy.

Those are among the key findings in a new survey from InCrowd, pioneer of real-time market intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries, which polled 302 physicians around the country who treat children.

Other survey findings include:

  • 12% of doctors say fidget spinners have definite benefits
  • 17% of doctors say fidget spinners definitely do not have benefits
  • Almost half of doctors (44%) say they have received inquiries from parents about fidget spinners
  • More than a third (37%) of doctors consider them a useful tool
  • Interestingly, almost two-thirds of doctors (63%) considered fidget spinners a toy. The same number of doctors (63%) says they provide benefits for ADHD, anxiety, autism, and/or PTSD

There were a variety of reactions on the effectiveness of the fidget spinner, with one Mississippi doctor saying, “The patients that I have had use it have really seen some success in focus and attention and reduction in anxiety with them.” Conversely, a California pediatrician had this to say: “They can be a useful tool IF in the correct person’s hands. Often, it is just another distraction, like cell phones.”

Overall, the survey suggests fidget spinners can be more than just a toy.

“While many physicians see the potential in fidget spinners and similar objects, the majority of physicians are hesitant to make a judgement on their effectiveness due to the lack of research on the topic,” said Danielle Schroth, Director of Crowd Development at InCrowd. “It seems it could be a useful tool if utilized properly but the extent of how useful remains to be seen; further research is needed.”