“Joseph has sensory issues and his standing desk really helps him”
It was following a recommendation from a friend that Nikki decided to invest in a standing desk for herself and her husband to use. In the process of doing so, she discovered that standing desks can also benefit children with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions, by allowing them to move while they learn. So she decided to get one for her son Joseph too - and the results have been fantastic. We caught up with Nikki to find out more....
Why did you decide to get a standing desk?
"A friend of mine mentioned that she uses a standing desk at work and was raving about how good it was, so I thought I’d take a look. I went on to order a BigJack electric standing desk, which gives me the space I need to spread out all my papers and can also be lowered and raised as needed.
While I was on the ‘I Want A Standing Desk’ website I noticed that there was a wooden desk specially designed for children to use too. The company has strong links with the ADHD Foundation and explained about the benefits these types of desks can have for children with sensory conditions. So, as well as purchasing a BigJack electric standing desk for myself, I invested in an EIGER student desk for our 7-year-old son, Joseph, too."
What has the impact been for Joseph?
"Joseph has a number of sensory issues. He currently goes into school three days a week and we home-school him the rest of the time.
Joseph needs to be moving pretty much constantly and finds it very difficult to concentrate otherwise. We’d previously tried all sorts of things to support him with his learning, such as wobble cushions and wedges, but with little success. So, I was very interested to see what would happen with the standing desk.
The result is, he loves it! We’ve also seen some immediate improvements. Using the standing desk has really helped him, not only in relation to his focus and concentration but also his handwriting.
His current school is fantastic and continues to be very supportive of his needs. We’re hoping he will either be able to take his desk into school with him, or that the school invests in some of their own. (As we’ve told them all about our experiences and the free trial of the EIGER desks that schools can sign up for!).
What is particularly great about the EIGER student desk is that you can fold it up and put it away when you’re not using it. It’s solid and good quality and also super easy to clean."
What impact has using a standing desk had for you?
"As for my BigJack electric desk, before it arrived I was a little sceptical, but it’s exceeded all my expectations. I now work standing up for the most part but also have one of the rest stools to perch on when I choose to.
What has been amazing for me personally is how much more energy I now have. I also no-longer have that dip in energy that I used to get during the afternoon. I’m a keen runner but currently injured, so being able to stand up for a call or meeting is really good, as it means I can stretch and move around.
My husband is an accountant, so has a naturally very stationary role, and he is also now a standing desk convert! When he goes back to working in the office full time, he’s going to be asking for one for himself too."
Thinking of trying a standing desk?
"I would say to anyone thinking of getting one, for either themselves or their child, to go for it!
It’s funny that something so simple can be so effective, especially for children with sensory issues. I can’t believe we didn’t think of it before. I will be sharing our positive experience with other parents who may also benefit."