ARK's Blog

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 …

Oral defensiveness falls into two main categories: HYPOsensitivity and HYPERsensitivity.  Individuals with hyposensitivities have low oral tone and very little awareness of what's going on inside their mouths.  This "oral numbness" so to speak can cause anxiety and fear when it comes to toothbrushing.  On the other hand, individuals with hypersensitivities are overly conscious of …

Oral motor therapy works on the oral skills necessary for proper speech and feeding development.  These skills include: awareness, strength, coordination, movement, and endurance of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw.  The activities below are an easy way to work on these skills.  Incorporate them into your daily routine whenever you have time.  Practice them on the way to schoo …

Before mealtime: •  Play with sensory-stimulating toys, such as koosh balls, peanut balls, bubbles, play-doh, massagers, any toys/books with interesting textures, etc. •  Give the child sensory input through physical sensory-stimulating activities, such as bouncing on a ball, jumping, swinging, etc. . In preparation for mealtime: •  Put the child in a highchair/booster …