Sensory

ARK's Bear Bottle Kit is a fun and friendly way to make drinking easier for beginners and/or children with oral motor difficulties. It's also an excellent way to transition babies straight from bottles to straw drinking - skipping sippy cups altogether! Many speech therapists believe that sippy cups can promote improper tongue positioning and an immature swallowing pattern, while straw drinking can help strengthen the mouth muscles and encourage tongue retraction, cheek tension, lip closure, and proper oral positioning.

The Bear Bottle features a unique valve that controls the direction of fluid - liquid flows up into the straw, but does not flow back down. Simply squeeze the bear's belly until fluid reaches the top of the straw and release. Fluid will stay at the top of the straw, thereby decreasing the effort required to drink. Highly recommended for individuals who tend to aspirate or have a weak suck with difficulties generating and maintaining suction.

Kit includes: 1 easy-to-squeeze Bear Bottle with a snap-close cap, 1 Select-Flow Valve, straws, 2 tubing straws, and 1 yellow Lip Blok® (3/4").  These tubing straws are durable alternative to traditional straws, and the Lip Blok prevents kids from biting on the straw or putting it too far into their mouths.

• Made in the USA
• Made out of non-toxic, food grade materials
• Dishwasher-safe
• Holds 8 ounces of fluid
• Bottle measures approximately 2 x 2.5 x 6"
• Colors may vary
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc).  
• Compatible with most standard .25" diameter straws
• Lid colors may vary.

This tubing is a durable, chewable, reusable alternative to traditional straws.

• Made in the USA and medical grade
• No lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Sold in lengths of 3 feet - trim to any custom length
• Inner diameter: 3/16"; outer diameter: 1/4"
• Dishwasher-safe
• Compatible with ARK's Cip-Kup, Bear Bottle, Lip Bloks, and valves (sold separately)
• This listing is for tubing only.  All other accessories sold separately

Also known as "Nosey" or "Cut-Out" cups, the Flexi Cup's innovative design allows individuals to drink without tilting their head back. The cut out for the nose also makes it easier to view lip and tongue movement. Because the "nosey" cut out cup is flexible, it can be squeezed to control and direct the flow of fluid. A popular favorite of feeding therapists, the "nosey" cut out Flexi Cup is a staple for feeding therapy, beginning cup-drinkers, and/or individuals with limited neck/head mobility or drinking difficulties.

•  Made in the USA, FDA compliant, no latex, lead, BPA, or phthalates
• Top rack dishwasher-safe
• Sold here in a combo pack that includes 1 small, 1 medium, and 1 large cup (also available separately)
• The small cup holds approximately 1 ounce, the medium 2 ounces, and the large 7 ounces

ARK's Premium One-Way Valve makes drinking easier by controlling the direction of fluid - fluid flows up into the straw, but does not empty back into the cup. Because fluid always stays at the top of the straw, less effort is required for each sip and less air is ingested.  As a result, users tend to experience less coughing while consuming more fluids. The valve is easy to take apart, clean, and put back together.  Highly recommended for individuals with oral motor difficulties, a weak suck, or problems generating and maintaining suction.

• Made in the USA out of stainless steel that will not rust
• All parts can be boiled in water to ensure sanitary conditions
• Sold individually
• Compatible with most regular drinking straws measuring .25" in diameter
• Measures just over 2 inches in length
• Included in the package is an extra (spare) stainless steel ball and washer
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc).  
• This may vary by brand of thickener, but in general if you're using thickened liquids, "nectar" consistency works fine.  "Honey" is a bit harder to suck through the straw, but it does work.  "Pudding" does not work, as it's too thick to drink through even a regular straw without a valve.  

Caution: contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard; please supervise at all times.

ARK's One-Way Straws make drinking easier for individuals with a weak suck, oral motor difficulties, and/or problems generating and maintaining suction. Each straw features a built-in valve that controls the direction of fluid one-way - fluid flows up into the straw, but does not empty back into the cup. With fluid remaining at the top of the straw, less air is ingested and less effort is required to drink. Users therefore tend to experience less coughing and choking while consuming more fluids. Because the valves are built-in, these straws provide both convenience for the caregiver and discretion for the user. They save time and labor for the caregiver/therapist while increasing independence, dignity, and hydration for the individual.

• Made in the USA
• No lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Sold in packs of 10
• Can be used on their own, or with either the Cip-Kup® or Sip-Tip® to further assist drinking
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc)

Spare lids for ARK's Bear Bottle.

•  Made in the USA
• NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Measures approximately 1.5" in diameter x .6" tall
• Dishwasher-safe
• This listing is for lids only, other parts sold separately.
• Sold in packs of 5
• Lid colors may vary.

ARK's Z-Vibe® is a vibratory oral motor tool that can help build oral tone and improve a variety of speech, feeding, and sensory skills. Use it to provide a varied sensory experience and/or to provide targeted tactile cues within the oral cavity. Its gentle vibration provides a new level of sensory stimulation to increase oral focus and draw more attention to the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw. Vibration can also be very calming, soothing, and organizing.

The Z-Vibe®'s sleek, innovative design features a lightweight, plastic handpiece with gentle bumps around its circumference for a non-slip grip. This texture can also be brushed along the cheeks, arms, hands, etc. for additional tactile input. The handle comes with a blue Probe Tip on one end and a Switch Tip on the other. Use the Probe Tip for oral motor assessment and development. 

• Made in the USA, medical grade, FDA compliant
• NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• The Z-Vibe® is sold here with 1 Probe Tip, other tips sold separately 
• Battery included (please note: this is a special Vibe Battery not sold in stores - we recommend buying a spare)
• Measures approximately 6.5" in length and less than half of an inch in diameter
• Recommended for individuals of all ages and abilities under the guidance of a therapist or a trained caregiver 

Caution: the Z-Vibe is NOT a toy.  It is a therapeutic tool intended to be used by a professional therapist (or by parents trained by their therapist).  It contains small parts (including a battery) that may pose a choking hazard: direct adult supervision is required at all times.

ARK's Y-Chew® is an innovative Y-shaped oral motor chew tool.  It has three different extensions to chew on, each with its own texture (smooth, ribbed, and bumpy) for a varied sensory experience.  It comes in 3 color-coded toughness levels:

• Soft/Standard -  These are the softest ones with the most “squishiness” and “give” to them.  Recommended for mild chewers and/or beginners practicing biting/chewing skills
• Medium Firm / XT - XT stands for "Xtra Tough," recommended for moderate chewing.  These are firmer, but still chewy.
• Very Firm / XXT - XXT stands for "Xtra Xtra Tough," recommended for more avid chewing.  These are the most firm and provide the most resistance to the jaw.  No chew tool is indestructible, but these are very tough.

Use the Y-Chew as a safe alternative to biting/chewing on fingers, shirts, and other hazardous non-food items.  It can also be used:

• As an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving oral input and stimulation
• To exercise the lips, tongue, cheeks, and especially the jaw, allowing the mouth to learn and grow strong through oral exploration
• To decrease thumb sucking, tooth grinding, and finger/knuckle biting
• To practice biting/chewing skills without the risk of choking
• To improve jaw strength, jaw stability, tongue movement, and other feeding skills
• To satisfy the urge to chew for individuals who are fed through a g-tube
• To build oral tone, strength, mobility, control, coordination, and endurance
• To decrease oral sensitivities, oral defensiveness, and food aversions

ARK manufactures these chew tools in the USA!  They're medical grade, FDA compliant, and contain NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex.  The handle measures 2½ inches and the extensions measure 1¾ and 1¼ inches respectively.

Choose your color/toughness option from the menu above.  Each Y-Chew is sold individually.  Color hues may vary slightly. 

 Caution: This product is not a toy. Recommended for children 3 years and up.  Although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible.  Wear/tear may be expected given the nature of the intended use.  How long they last is typically equal to the amount and intensity of the chewing, as well as other variables (such as jaw strength, stress/anxiety levels, if other sensory strategies are in place, etc.).  While for some people a chew tool will last forever, for others with heavy/aggressive oral needs, they may go through it very quickly.  Please supervise at all times, regularly inspect the chew, and replace if necessary if the item shows signs of wear and tear.  

Straight out of the Cretaceous period, ARK’s Triceratops Chew Necklace is a fossil-themed that dinosaur fans will love. Each triceratops skull pendant measures about 2.5" tall, 1.8" wide, and just under half an inch thick. It's a great option for those who prefer chewing with their pre-molars and/or front teeth.  Use this oral sensory solution as a safe alternative to chewing on pencils, shirts, fingers, etc. and to help calm, focus, and self-regulate.  Like all other ARK chewelry, it's made in South Carolina, USA and comes in 3 color-coded toughness levels:

• Standard - This is the softest level, recommended for mild chewers (those who do not chew through anything).
• XT / Medium Firm - This is the middle level, which we call XT ("Xtra Tough").  It's firmer, but still fairly chewy, recommended for moderate chewers.
• XXT / Very Firm - This is the toughest level, which we call XXT ("Xtra Xtra Tough").  It still has some “chewability” to it, but it’s fairly rigid / pretty firm.  No chew tool is indestructible, but this is usually the longest lasting level for avid chewers.

Choose your option from the menu above.  Each pendant is sold individually with its own breakaway necklace cord.  Color hues may vary slightly.  Each pendant measures about 2.5" tall, 1.8" wide, and just under half an inch in thickness.

  Designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA by ARK Therapeutic.  Medical grade, FDA compliant, NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex.

 Caution: This product is not a toy.  The clasp and cord are not intended for chewing.  Contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard - direct supervision required.  Recommended for ages 5 years and up.  Although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible.  Wear/tear may be expected given the nature of the intended use.  How long they last is typically equal to the amount and intensity of the chewing, as well as other variables (such as jaw strength, stress/anxiety levels, if other sensory strategies are in place, etc.).  While for some people a chew tool will last forever, for others with heavy/aggressive oral needs, they may go through it very quickly.  Please supervise at all times, regularly inspect the chew, and replace at first sign of wear and tear.   

Invented by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP, ARK's Textured Grabber® is a textured version of the popular Grabber® oral motor chew tool.  The innovative P shape design has an easy-to-hold loop, with a long extension for reaching the back molars.  It also features 3 different surfaces to chew on: one smooth, one with circular bumps, and one with rectangular bumps. These textures simulate the feel of actual food for realistic non-food chewing practice.  They also add extra tactile sensation to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue to help desensitize the mouth, decrease oral defensiveness/aversions, and transition individuals with sensory issues from puréed to textured foods.  The Grabber® can also be used:

• As an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input
• As a safe alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.
• As an alternative to tooth-grinding and/or thumb-sucking
• To help decrease oral defensiveness and food aversions
• To practice biting/chewing without the risk of choking
• To work on jaw strength and stability and oral motor skills
• To build oral strength, mobility, and control
• To satisfy the urge to chew for individuals who are fed through a g-tube

ARK Textured Grabber® comes in 3 color-coded toughness levels:

• Standard (red or magenta) -  These are the softest ones with the most “squishiness” and “give” to them.  Recommended for mild chewers and/or beginners practicing biting/chewing skills
• Medium Firm / XT (lime green or teal) - XT stands for "Xtra Tough," recommended for moderate chewing.  These are firmer, but still chewy.
• Very Firm / XXT (royal blue or forest green) - XXT stands for "Xtra Xtra Tough," recommended for more avid chewing.  These are the most firm and provide the most resistance to the jaw.  No chew tool is indestructible, but these are very tough.

ARK manufactures the Grabber® in the USA!  It's medical grade, FDA compliant, and contains NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex.  Measures approximately 5 inches lengthwise, just under 2 across the loop, and half an inch thick. 

 Caution: This product is not a toy. Recommended for children 3 years and up.  Although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible.  Wear/tear may be expected given the nature of the intended use.  How long they last is typically equal to the amount and intensity of the chewing, as well as other variables (such as jaw strength, stress/anxiety levels, if other sensory strategies are in place, etc.).  While for some people a chew tool will last forever, for others with heavy/aggressive oral needs, they may go through it very quickly.  Please supervise at all times, regularly inspect the chew, and replace if necessary if the item shows signs of wear and tear.   

ARK's Textured Bite-n-Chew Tip XL is a tip attachment for the Z-Vibe® specially designed to work on biting and chewing oral motor skills.  At 2.5 inches total in length (2 inches long when inserted into a Z-Vibe handle), this tip can reach all the way to the back molar area for chewing exercises and/or for sensory input.  Use it promote a sustained bite, develop jaw strength and stability, practice rhythmic and rotary chewing, and more.  It can also be used outside the mouth on the cheeks and lips for added stimulation.  It's similar to the standard Bite-n-Chew Tip XL, but has added bumps to gently de-sensitize the mouth and work on texture acceptance.  The texture also simulates the feel of real food for realistic non-food chewing practice.

• Made in the USA, medical grade, FDA compliant
• No lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Each tip measures approximately 2.5" in length and just under .5" in diameter
• Sold individually
• Dishwasher-safe
• To be used with either the Z-Vibe or Z-Grabber handle (sold separately)
• Caution: this therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

ARK's Select-Flow Valve makes drinking easier for beginners and/or individuals with oral motor difficulties. It's uniquely designed to control the direction of fluid - liquid flows up into the straw, but does not flow back down. Because fluid stays at the top of the straw, each subsequent sip requires less effort. It also reduces the air ingested, so users experience less coughing and choking while consuming more fluids. Highly recommended for individuals who tend to aspirate or have difficulties generating and maintaining suction (a weak suck). Simply push the tapered end of the valve into the bottom of a straw, and you're set to go!

For individuals who tend to take too much fluid at a time, the Select-Flow Valve also slows the flow of fluid, allowing for smaller, more manageable sips that lower the risk of coughing/choking. If a restricted flow is not necessary, simply trim the tapered end with a pair of scissors to increase the flow.

• Made in the USA
• FDA compliant
• NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Measures approximately 1.75" in length
• Dishwasher-safe
• Sold in packs of 3
• Not recommended for carbonated beverages
• Recommended for thin liquids (water, milk, juice without pulp, etc).  
• Fits in the bottom of most standard drinking straws measuring .25" in diameter
• Recommended for use with the Cip-Kup™, Sip-Tip®, or Bear Bottle, as these cup sets let you "help" fluid up the straw for the initial sip
• Caution: contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard; please directly supervise at all times

ARK's proSpoon™ was specially designed by feeding therapist Debbie Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP to support easy feeding and food removal for young children.  The size and shape of the spoon bowl are "just right" - big enough to hold an appropriate amount of food, but small enough to prevent the spoon from being overloaded with too much food.  

As an extra bonus:  the back of the spoon bowl has gentle bumps to help transition children from puréed to textured foods.  These sensory bumps also stimulate the tongue and lower lip and provide added tongue stability. 

It's a rigid spoon, but it does have slight flexibility to it so that it's gentle on the teeth (in case someone has a bite reflex and bites down on the spoon).    This flexibility also means that you can bend the spoon slightly to make the handle curved - perfect for individuals who have limited hand dexterity to make self-feeding easier.

•  Proudly designed and made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic.
• This listing is for 1 proSpoon™.
• Each small spoon measures 5.4" long.  The handle measures .35" in diameter.  The spoon bowl specifically measures about 1.4 x .75" (LxW).  This size is best for infants and toddlers and works best with puréed foods like yogurt, applesauce, stage 1 baby foods, etc. 
• Each large spoon measures 6" long.  The handle measures .4" in diameter.  The spoon bowl specifically measures about 1.75 x 1" (LxW).  This size is best for older children and up through adults.  Adults may find this spoon a little smaller than regular spoons.
• Each spoon is sold individually.
• Exact colors hues may vary slightly.
• Dishwasher-safe.
• Medical grade, FDA compliant, no lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. 

Please note:  this is not a vibrating spoon.  If you're looking for the vibrating spoon, please see ARK's Z-Vibe with the Spoon Tip attachment.  Please also note:  this is a spoon, not a chew tool.  

ARK's Mini Tip is a smaller version of the Probe Tip - our most versatile tip attachment for the Z-Vibe®. Its smaller size is perfect for babies and toddlers, and its rectangular shape features three different surfaces: bumpy, striated, and smooth. As such, the Mini Tip provides a varied sensory experience as you stroke and apply gentle pressure to the gums, palate, cheeks, tongue, and lips. This sensory input can help "wake" up the mouth and increase oral awareness for individuals with hyposensitivities. Or, it can also help decrease oral defensiveness and food aversions for individuals with hypersensitivities.

•  Made in the USA, medical grade, FDA compliant 
• No lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Measures approximately .4 x .4 x 2.25"
• Dishwasher-safe
• To be used with either the Z-Vibe or Z-Grabber handle (sold separately) 

 Caution: this therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

Does chewing on pen caps and pencil erasers sound familiar?  Then you're in luck!  Made in the USA, ARK's Krypto-Bite® Chewable Pencil Toppers are a safe solution for kids and adults who need to chew. Chewing can be a very effective way to help calm, self-regulate, and focus, so these chewy tools are a perfect pairing for homework, note-taking, and more. As an added bonus, they also add extra weight to the pencil for increased hand awareness and to help the pencil comfortably rest in the web space between the thumb and pointer finger.  The prism shape has a hollow tube on one end to conveniently fit over standard #2 pencils. 

ARK's Krypto-Bite comes in 3 color coded toughness levels:

• Standard - recommended for mild chewers
• XT - XT stands for "Xtra Tough," recommended for moderate chewers
• XXT - XXT stands for "Xtra Xtra Tough," recommended for those who like the resistance of chewing on hard items

Details:

• Each topper is sold individually
• Best practice is to use with eraser-less pencils (each topper comes with its own eraser-less pencil)
• Designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA by ARK Therapeutic
• Each topper is medical grade, FDA compliant, and contains NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex
• Each topper measures approximately 2.75 inches in length and .5 inch in diameter 
• Color hues may vary slightly
• Highly recommended for individuals who have Autism, sensory needs, anxiety, ADHD, etc, or for anyone of any age who needs to chew.
• Not recommended for avid / aggressive chewing. The best option for avid chewing is ARK's Y-Chew XXT (sold separately). 

Designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA by ARK Therapeutic.

Caution: This product is not a toy. Recommended for children 6-7 years and up (the age that children typically start using a standard pencil). Although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible. Some individuals (particularly those with heavy oral needs and aggressive biting/chewing) may be able to damage the tools. How long each chew lasts depends on the amount and intensity of the chewing.  Please supervise at all times and replace if necessary when the item shows signs of wear and tear.