ADHD Tools for School (That Actually Help!)

As ADHD parents, we’ve been blessed with some really great resources - from therapists, doctors, to the handful of teachers who actually understand - and they have helped us identify a lot of items and accommodations that help our kids succeed and feel more confident in school. We make sure these are noted in their 504 or IEP, even if they happen to have a flexible teacher who accommodates them without a written requirement; you never know when a teacher may leave, and you don’t want to be put in a situation where you have to retroactively argue for something you KNOW helps your kid. We use a lot of these items at home as well. 

Hopefully, some of these will be helpful for your children, too. Shop below!

 

Mighty

Mighty Vibe Spotify and Amazon Music Player - No Phone Needed

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This tiny, slick MP3 player lets you listen to existing playlists without a phone. Perfect for teens and kids who can’t use their phones in school, but need music to block out background music and stay focused.

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TOZO

TOZO Lightweight Waterproof Mini Earbuds

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We all need headphones to help us focus, and these are our favorite. Comfortable, great sound, long lasting, quick and easy in-case charging.

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TUINYO

Wireless Over Ear Headphones Bluetooth Headphones

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These ADHD-friendly headphones are foldable so you can easily stash them in a backpack.

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Secura

60-Minute Visual Countdown Timer for Kids

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Our therapist introduced us to using this timer. With repeated use, it helps with time blindness and the visual indicators help train ADHD brains.

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Speks

Speks Geode Magnetic Fidget Sphere - Pentagons

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This addictive magnetic desk toy is a great desk fidget for work, or stocking stuffer for teens.

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Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Plastic Clipboards

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Some teachers let kids use clipboards and flexible seating choices to finish their work in class - this is a huge win for my littles. We use clipboards at home to streamline what they’re working on and reduce overwhelm when they have a lot of homework.

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Olugu

Sensory Chew Necklace for Kids with Autism ADHD SPD

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Our kids used to chew holes in their shirts without even noticing it. Redirecting to chew necklaces worked magic.

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Shashibo

SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box - Award-Winning, Patented Fidget Cube

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I’ve seen this ranked as the #1 fidget toy on Amazon for years, for a reason.

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Bouncy Bands

Bouncyband Wiggle Feet - Foot Fidget Cushion, Sensory and ADHD Tool

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These have been a must for my kids since we discovered them about 7 years ago! They are a strong rubber band that fit around the chair legs and give them all kinds of wonderful, deep-impact resistance and feedback so they can get movement without leaving their chair. They last for multiple school years, too. These are a 504 plan accommodation for my kids.

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Owala

OWALA FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw

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Our therapist taught us that sipping from a straw helps regulate the brain. The popular Owala Freesip is, by far, our favorite. Easy open and close, and a unique design that lets you sip from a built-in straw or swig.

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Paper Mate

Paper Mate Gel Pens | InkJoy Pens, Assorted Colors

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Having the right pen is so important for us to stay focused and motivated to write. A pack of these pretty rainbow-colored InkJoy pens is my kids’ choice for school.

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SanDisk

SanDisk 32GB Clip Sport Plus MP3 Player

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As part of their 504s and IEPs, my kids are allowed to listen to music in school using their headphones, but the school requires that they use a dedicated MP3 player instead of a phone. This one is small, slick, and has a large memory.

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Impresa Products

Stretchy String Fidget / Sensory Toys - Stretches to 8 Feet!

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These are a simple but well-loved fidget!

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Boxer Gifts

Boxer Gifts Kalma Kitty Stress Relief Toy | Helps with Anxiety

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Folds small to stuff a stocking. If you know an ADHD cat lover, this squishy cat is too adorable (and helpful) to pass up.

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Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty - Water Liquid Glass Putty

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My only advice: don’t let your kid leave this on your floor or your Golden Retriever will lay on it and mush an entire container of Crazy Aaron’s into her furry armpit. Ask me how I know.

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Steel Lynx

Fidget Necklace, Infinity Loop Forever Spiral Jewelry

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Absolutely love this fidget necklace for older kids and adults. It’s perfect ADHD jewelry because it’s inconspicuous but satisfying.

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QUALEAP AMBER

Silicone Chew Necklace for Kids - Chew Pendant Jewelry

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These cool chew necklaces for kids are very firm and help them keep their shirts and fingers out of their mouths.

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MUCAL

Fidget Rings for Anxiety 8 Stainless Steel Spinner Rings

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We bought a pack of these spinning fidget rings and immediately split them among the whole family.

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Umnodobn

Superhero Fidget Spinners - Metal Set

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What ADHD superhero fan wouldn’t love these as a Christmas stocking stuffer or Easter basket filler?

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Trideer

Inflated Wobble Cushion - Wiggle Seat for Sensory Kids

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Definitely not an inexpensive gift, but small in size, so it would technically fit in a stocking! This helps get the wiggles out! We originally bought this to help our kids stay seated through a meal.

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Studico

Wobble Chair for Kids & Pre-Teens

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A great option to help those who struggle with sitting still.

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Other Gift Ideas

Hyperactive kids with ADHD often feel a constant need for motion and activity. We’ve found that the more physical activity and sensory input our kids receive, the better. There are some amazing activities that can be added to the home or yard to give them a designated place to exert a lot of energy. Most of these involve deep-muscle impact as well, which helps calm the nervous system. 

Our kids are their happiest when they are moving, and this helps them funnel that energy in a safe way. Plus - these are all FUN and make perfect gifts. 

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