Peer-Reviewed · Sensors MDPI · 2024
Hands-on learning that measurably improves memory & focus for students with ASD & ADHD.
A 2024 randomized controlled trial in Sensors (MDPI) found children using Makey Makey improved on standardized memory and attention assessments by an average of 23.38 points — across all three ADHD subtypes.
The Evidence
One of the few edtech tools with published, peer-reviewed outcomes for ASD and ADHD.
Most classroom technology markets to neurodivergent learners on testimonials alone. Makey Makey is different — its impact on memory, attention, and executive function has been measured in a published randomized controlled trial.
In the study, students with ASD and ADHD navigated a digital maze using physical household objects — vegetables, foil, and everyday materials — as controllers connected to Makey Makey. Sessions ran 15–30 minutes over multiple weeks.
Therapists and teachers also observed reduced anxiety, improved turn-taking, and greater willingness to retry after errors.
Adochiei, F.-C., et al. (2024). The use of Makey Makey as an assistive educational tool for children with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial. Sensors, 24(20), 6720. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24206720
Sensory & Engagement
Designed for the way neurodivergent learners actually learn.
Predictable Cause and Effect
Every closed circuit produces an immediate, repeatable response. Predictability lowers anxiety and supports learners who need consistent feedback.
Tactile & Proprioceptive Input
Real physical contact — bananas, foil, clay, conductive dough — engages multiple sensory channels that flat touchscreens can't reach.
Not a Screen
Makey Makey turns the world into the interface. Sessions stay social, physical, and grounded — no doom-scrolling, no app fatigue.
ADHD & Executive Function
Built for the moments where focus is hardest.
Immediate Reward Loop
Closed circuit → instant sound, motion, or visual. The dopamine response is built into the tool itself.
Re-engage After a Break
Projects pick up exactly where they were left. No re-loading mental state, no progress lost.
Low-Stakes Iteration
Wires unclip, materials swap, ideas restart in seconds. Mistakes never feel permanent.
Self-Directed Attention
Open-ended invention means attention is pulled by curiosity, not pushed by compliance.
Improvement by ADHD subtype
All three subtypes showed statistically significant pre/post improvements (Adochiei et al., 2024).
Therapeutic & Clinical Use
Built for the teams supporting neurodivergent learners.
Special Education Teachers
Drop-in invention activities that fit IEP goals around fine motor, executive function, and communication.
BCBAs & ABA Therapists
A high-engagement, low-friction reinforcer that pairs naturally with discrete-trial and naturalistic teaching.
School Psychologists
An evidence-aligned tool for groups working on regulation, joint attention, and turn-taking.
Parents & Caregivers
Screen-free creative play at home that builds on what's happening in the classroom or clinic.
"The Makey Makey invention kit holds promise for widening the communicative opportunities of children on the autism spectrum, supporting joint engagement, turn-taking, and shared creative work."
For Families at Home
A four-step path from kit to IEP.
- 01
Buy the Classic Kit
Everything a family needs to start: board, USB cable, alligator clips, and jumper wires.
- 02
Try a Starter Activity
Begin with the Banana Piano or Operation Game — both work in under 5 minutes. Browse more free lessons.
- 03
Download the Research Summary
Bring the 2-page brief to your child's IEP meeting or therapist session.
- 04
Share the IEP Template
Pre-written IEP language educators and families can adapt — download the .docx and bring it to your next meeting.
Buy for Home
The Classic Kit families bring to therapy.
One board. Endless inventions. Designed for ages 8+, but used successfully with much younger neurodivergent learners under guided play. Ships ready to use — no app, no account, no subscription.
FEATURED STUDENT PROJECT
Vest Buddy: Assistive Tech Built by Students, for a Classmate.
When Justin's classmates saw him struggling to communicate on the soccer field and at recess, they didn't wait for adults to solve it. Using Makey Makey and a Raspberry Pi, these 6th graders built Vest Buddy — an assistive communication vest that lets Justin press conductive patches to speak pre-recorded messages.
This is what happens when you give students the tools to create technology: empathy turns into engineering, and a classmate's challenge becomes a class project with real impact.
Content & Resources
Materials to bring back to your team.
Research Summary PDF
A 2-page briefing of the 2024 Sensors RCT, written for IEP teams and district buyers.
DownloadIEP Language Template
Pre-written goal and accommodation language educators can adapt for executive function and communication goals.
DownloadTherapist Case Study
A BCBA's narrative of a 12-week pairing program using Makey Makey as a primary reinforcer.
In ProgressBring the evidence to your district, clinic, or kitchen table.
Whether you're a teacher writing your next IEP or a parent looking for a screen-free win, Makey Makey is ready today.
Press & Sources
Every claim on this page, with a citation.
Adochiei et al. — Makey Makey as an assistive educational tool for children with ADHD
Randomized controlled trial showing 23.38-point average improvement across all three ADHD subtypes.
EdCan Network, 2018Maich et al. — Makey Makey as an assistive resource
On widening communicative opportunities and joint engagement for children on the autism spectrum.
Makey Makey BlogAssistive Technology, Occupational Therapy & Accessibility Resources
Field-tested AT and accessibility resources from the Makey Makey team and partner OTs.
Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2014Lin & Chang — Assistive interface for learners with developmental disabilities
Peer-reviewed evidence supporting tangible-interface learning for developmental disability populations.
SLD Experience, 2014Stephens et al. — Makey Makey practitioner report
Practitioner-authored field report on Makey Makey use with learners with severe learning difficulties.