Chewy Tube aka Ark Grabber XT

 Number 1 from the first blog posting: The chewy tube(ARK Grabber) has helped our son to cope with the big world in so many ways. This device is typically bought for special needs children with bad chewing habits or children with speech impairments. This chewy tube comes in multiple colors, sizes, shapes, textures and smells to fit the needs of your little one. I typically buy
from http://www.arktherapeutic.com/ . One will run around $6.99 or 3 for $18.99. The more you buy the cheaper the individual tubes end up costing.

My son has a bad habit of chewing furniture and his shirt at times. His occupational therapist suggested the chewy tube. We give this to him in order to replace those things that he shouldn't be chewing on. I would say children 3 and older should definitely get a TEXTURED chewy tube. My son is an extreme chewer so we have to order him the textured ARK Grabber XT which is more durable.

This tube helps with my son's nervousness in open spaces or when he is over excited, either way he HAS to chew on something. I remember when we first moved into our house and we mysteriously found ALL of our flip flops chewed to the sole! You would have thought we owned a puppy. We failed to realize that the new move would make him so anxious! Once we realized what was going on we quickly found his chewy tube and gave it to him.

This tube also helps when my five year old has random moments of putting inappropriate objects in his mouth. It is really good to use when redirecting him. I usually buy the 3 pack of chewy tubes. I send one to keep at school and I use the other at home, the third is used just in case one of the other two gets missed place.

Another good use for the chewy tube is that it is also used to improve the speech. It helps to exercise the jaw and aids in building oral strength and control.

Below is a list of other uses with the chewy tube. I copied and pasted this directly from the previously given site.

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 exercise the lips, tongue, cheeks, and especially the jaw

To allow the mouth to learn and grow strong through oral exploration

To practice biting/chewing without the risk of choking

To build oral strength, mobility, and control

To satisfy the urge to chew for individuals who are fed through a g-tube