Typewriters and ADHD – any benefits?

Disclaimer : At Sunshine Coast Typewriters we cannot provide medical advice or any recommendations for treatment of ADHD. The general information that follows is based on scientific research but is not guaranteed or may vary from person to person. As always, it’s important to consult with a health care professional for personalised advice.

Ten reasons why some individuals with ADHD may find using a typewriter helpful.

• Reduced Distractions: Typewriters do not have internet connectivity, notifications or pop-ups that can distract ADHD individuals from focusing on the task at hand. So a typewriter can provide a distraction-free writing experience.
• Tactile Feedback: The tactile feedback provided by the keys on a typewriter can help some individuals with ADHD to focus better on writing tasks, as it creates a physical sensation that may be more engaging and rewarding for some.
• Increased Attention Span: Typing on a typewriter can help some individuals with ADHD develop their focus and attention span, as it requires them to concentrate on a single task for an extended period.
• Improved Writing Speed: Some individuals with ADHD can benefit from the structured, repetitive movements of typing on a typewriter, which can help to increase their typing speed and productivity.
• Memory Retention: The process of typing on a typewriter can help some individuals with ADHD remember what they have written better, as they may remember the physical sensation of typing on a particular key.
• Improved Creativity: Typewriters can help to stimulate creativity in some individuals with ADHD, as the lack of distractions and limitations of a typewriter can inspire unique and inventive ideas.
• Improved Writing Quality: The tactile experience of typing on a typewriter can help some individuals with ADHD to produce more polished, well-crafted writing.
• Calming Effect: Some individuals with ADHD may find the repetitive nature of typing on a typewriter to be calming and soothing, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improved Typing Skills: Typewriters can help some individuals with ADHD to develop their typing skills, which can be a useful skill to have in today’s digital age.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Typing on a typewriter can provide a sense of accomplishment for some individuals with ADHD, as they may find it satisfying to see their work take physical form on the page.

References:

• Trujillo-Ortiz, A., & Hernandez-Lopez, M. (2016). The Effect of the Mechanical Typewriter on Writing and Reading. Journal of Writing Research, 8(1), 1-17.
• Faraone, S. V., & Biederman, J. (2016). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lancet (London, England), 387(10024), 1240-1250.
• Parush, S., Elovici, Y., & Hazan, H. (2011). Investigating the Effectiveness of Typing on a Traditional Typewriter for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik