ARK's Blog

If you've ever found teeth marks on an action figure, a building block with a corner chewed off, or a toy car that looks like it's been around the racetrack a few too many times, you're in the right place. Kids who chew on their toys during play or any time throughout the day are doing something that makes a lot of sense once you understand the need behind chewing. For most kids, chewing on toys ( …

Does bite marks on pens and pencils sound familiar?  Pens and pencils are among the most common items people chew on.  Chewing can help increase focus and attention, so it makes sense that a pen or pencil would be a go-to outlet.  Whether you're eight years old working through a spelling test or thirty-four years old working through a big project - a writing tool is right there as y …

As an Occupational Therapist, I often get the question "What are the best ways to support regulation for my Autistic, ADHD, or [insert neurodivergence here] child?" And I have to be honest. My reply is always "it depends." There is no one right way to support every single child. While there are some universal strategies that generally help, every child has a different brain, a different body, and …

It's Not a Bad Habit - It's a Need If your child has ever come home from school with soaked collars or sleeves or holes in their shirts, you're not alone. Chewing on clothing is one of the most common concerns we hear from parents, and we completely understand the frustration that comes with it. Shirts get ruined. The sleeves stretch out. And at some point, you start wondering: is this normal? Sho …