ARK's Blog

ARK's Z-Vibe and Z-Grabber offer a vast range of possibilities for tactile learning and oral sensory motor stimulation.  Lots of different optional tip attachments are available for these tools for specific uses.  Just untwist whatever current tip you're using and twist in any other tip (so the same handle can be used for multiple different goals from feeding therapy to gum mas …

Question:  How can I keep my son from stuffing his mouth with food, not properly chewing, then getting choked when he swallows?  He is 5 years old and Autistic.  Do you have any idea why he does this?  I assume it has something to do with his oral sensory needs, but I am not sure.  .  Yes, you're right!  Stuffing food in the mouth most likely has to …

Question:  I am an OT and a new mom to my 6-month-old daughter. We have just started introducing solid foods, but she drinks from only a bottle. I was wondering if you had any tips for transitioning from bottle to cup.  I have heard mixed reviews regarding sippy cups... .  I am not against using the right sippy cup as an intermediate step to teach cup drinking.  How …

Finger feeding is a very important step towards 1. feeding independence and 2. setting the stage for healthy eating habits.  Finger feeding typically starts at about 8-10 months, but of course there are always exceptions.  A friend of mine didn’t start with her baby until 11 months of age for example. In order to be ready for finger feeding, your child needs to be able to …