Fidgeting

Repetitive body movements or object manipulation — such as tapping, spinning, clicking, or squeezing — that serve self-regulatory functions including maintaining focus, managing stress, regulating energy levels, and processing sensory input. For people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions, fidgeting is a legitimate and beneficial coping strategy rather than a disruptive behaviour. Designing supportive fidgeting tools that are customisable, context-appropriate, and socially acceptable is an emerging area of assistive technology research.