Benefits of Doodling

Doodling is often viewed as a distraction – a sign that a student’s mind is wandering and not where it is supposed to be. This can be quite frustrating for a teacher or parent as it appears that the child is choosing not to give them their attention. However, for a child, especially those with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, or anxiety, the benefits of doodling are maintaining their alertness and attention so they can stay engaged rather than zoning out completely. In fact, research has shown that doodling can be utilized as an effective learning tool that offers benefits beyond attentiveness.  

Paying continuous attention while remaining in one spot can be strenuous on the brain and sensory system. Children often become bored without the proper stimulation they need for their body to remain regulated enough to maintain their concentration. Therefore, their brains will seek a cure for the lack of stimulation which often translates to behaviors of doodling or fidgeting. Research suggests that these behaviors can release neurotransmitters in the brain that imitate the effects of ADHD medications which actually support, not hinder, sustained attention and memory (The Thinking Benefits of Doodling, 2016). So, a child is probably engaging fidgeting tactics, like doodling, in an effort meet their stimulation and movement needs, not to be problematic or disrespectful. 

Doodling has also been shown to have positive effects on memory, learning, and stress/anxiety. One study looked at the impact of doodling on memory while participants listened to a dull and rambling recording with half of the group engaged in doodling and the other half not (Centre, 2022). All participants were unaware they would be tested on their memory of the recording afterwards. The results showed better recall by the participants than the ones that were not. In addition, doodling can be an effective visual tool for translating verbal information into images that can be more functional for a child’s specific learning style. Lastly, doodling is a calming and regulating activity that releases tension and generates a sense of catharsis. It is useful in relieving stress that may be hindering a child’s ability to regulate their arousal level and thus interfere with their ability to attend to important school lessons or conversations.  

If you have any questions about attention and focus and how to help your child, please reach out to us below! Although there are many benefits of doodling, we can treat attention and focusing challenges at a more complex level that will help your child in the long term.