Sensory Chew Toys

Some children and adults who have a sensory processing disorder, autism or ADHD seek out oral stimulation by chewing on pencils, hair, fingers, clothing and other objects.

People with these conditions may put objects in their mouths that are unsafe or not sanitary, in which case, it can be a good idea to invest in tools that satisfy the overwhelming need to chew in a safe manner.

ARK Therapeutic make some of the most popular chew toys for autism available. Their products are ideal for those who have sensory issues and come in a range of different sizes, toughness levels and colours to suit the diverse needs of individuals.

ARK chew tools come in 3 colour-coded toughness levels:

• Soft/Standard – this is the softest and chewiest level
• XT/Medium Firm – this is the middle level; it’s firmer, but still fairly chewy
• XXT/Super Firm – this is the toughest level; it still has some “chewability” to it, but it’s relatively rigid

Usually, we recommend going with the softest, standard level by default unless someone chews through or causes damage to objects, whether that be pencils or their shirt, in which case the XT level may be more suitable.

If someone does chew through things, it’s possible they may need the toughest XXT level. XXT is super firm, however, so we don’t always recommend getting it right off the bat. It is usually best either for people who have chewed through the XT level already or for anyone who already likes chewing on very hard items, like hard plastic toys and wooden items.

It’s important to note that designs that are wider and ‘beefier’ will feel tougher than designs that are more slender in the same toughness level. For example, the Dino-Bite in XT will feel tougher than the Krypto-Bite in XT.

Those diagnosed with autism or a sensory processing disorder may find it difficult to filter sensory information, which can increase anxiety and discomfort. A chew toy is designed to provide a focal point to help them organise and clarify sensory input.

Chew toys are also often recommended as a strategy for strengthening oral and facial muscles. Chew toys of varying textures can be used to help minimise aversion to certain foods, and those with a speech impediment may find that these products help strengthen the jaw, and tongue, improving the overall functionality of the mouth. If someone is having difficulty eating, drinking and speaking, it may be worth trying a sensory chew toy, in line with recommendations from a doctor.

Chew toys come in a variety of different styles: some are designed to look like everyday items, such as a necklace or a bracelet and are quite discreet, whilst others are more obvious. Careful consideration should be given to the way your child chews, their style preference, and what issues the chew toy is trying to improve.  

Chewing provides proprioceptive input to the jaw, which can be calming to those with anxiety. It’s similar to how some people might bite their fingernails when they’re nervous, pace back and forth, do deep breathing, or tap their feet. 

This may relate to how mouthing, chewing and sucking are self-soothing techniques we employ when we are babies. These are all mechanisms for how we cope with stress.

The best chew toys are ones that are safe, that is, they are made from medical grade material and free from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates, and latex. We recommend only buying sensory chew toys specifically designed for children to chew on, from reputable companies — like Special Needs Resources.

The most popular chew toys in our range are the ARK Grabber and the ARK Dino-Bite. Of course, there are many options, and the product that is best for you or your child depends on multiple factors, such as where and how hard your child chews.

Do they chew at the front of the mouth or back of the mouth? Do they suck, or do they bite hard? Do they like texture or a smooth surface? All these factors will influence the choice of a chew toy.  

Other popular autism chew toys in our collection include:

Krypto-Bite™ Chewable Pencil Topper

The Krypto-Bite™ Chewable Pencil Topper is ideal for those who find themselves chewing on pen caps and pencil erasers. Simply pop the Krypto-Bite™ at the end of your pen or pencil to safely self-regulate and focus.

Saber Tooth Chewable Jewellery Necklace

Chewable jewellery necklaces are an excellent solution for children and adults alike who find chewing helps them regulate their emotions and behaviour. As far as chewable necklaces go, the Saber Tooth is safe and discreet, making it a great choice for people of all ages.

Chewable Brick Bracelet

With its unique twist-on style, the Chewable Brick Bracelet doubles as a fidget toy and is perfect for those who are looking for a discrete solution to sleeve chewing and fidgeting. Available in three colour-coded toughness levels, it’s hardy and a great investment.

Speech therapists can help manage a variety of speech problems that may be present in those with autism. There are many different types of speech therapy toys available, and each targets a specific issue.

Some speech therapy toys, like a Tetra Bite, can be used to build jaw muscles through repetitive chewing motions. 

Pipsqueak the Talk Back Fox, on the other hand, helps to encourage vocalisation for those with language development issues. Simply press his stomach, start talking, and hear him repeat what you just said!

The best speech therapy toy will depend on you or your child’s needs — discuss recommendations with your speech therapist and contact our team today to learn more.