ARK's Blog

We often talk about oral sensitivities and how that can lead to texture aversions, drooling problems, mouth stuffing, and more.  But sensory tactile defensiveness isn't always isolated in the mouth.  Sometimes it's global, in which case you may need to start normalizing sensitivities outside of the mouth first, gradually working towards texture acceptance in the mouth. When one o …

Courtesy of creative mom Ashley on Instagram, this do-it-yourself weighted snake is an easy and fun way to calm sensory seekers through deep pressure.  Much like vestibular movement, oral motor input, and sensory play, weight can be very effective in helping sensory kids focus, organize, and self-regulate. . .  Directions: 1.  Find a stuffed animal that your child lik …

Question: My 2.5 year old daughter has down syndrome. She has had feeding issues since birth and we are trying to work with her on chewing.  She will bite and chew crackers and other hard foods, but will swallow soft things whole. We are working with a speech therapist as well as an occupational therapist, but they do not have a lot of experience with the grabbers, and other bite tool …

Question:  Could you please tell me what purpose vibration serves when working on oral motor tasks, as well as whether or not it is a required element for children to make oral motor gains?Great question!  Sometimes just touching the lips, tongue, cheeks, etc. doesn't provide enough input.  Vibration offers a new level of tactile awareness for individuals who need additional sens …