SEND Sensory Chews and Chew Necklaces for Autism and ADHD

Sensory chews are purpose-made chew necklaces, bangles, pencil toppers and handheld chews that give autistic children and children with ADHD a safe, hygienic alternative to chewing clothes, pencils or fingers. Our SEND range includes ARK chews in three colour-coded toughness levels, chosen for home and classroom use.

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Our top pick

ARK Chewnicorn™ Sensory Chew Necklace - double-sided unicorn chew pendant

The ARK Chewnicorn™ Sensory Chew Necklace gives autistic children and children with ADHD a wearable chew that stays within reach at school and at home. The double-sided unicorn pendant, with a heart and star design, suits chewing with the front teeth and pre-molars, and comes in Standard, XT and XXT toughness so you can match it to how hard your child bites. Made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic from medical-grade material, it hangs on an adjustable breakaway cord and is recommended for ages 5 and up with supervision.

Price: £13.00 | View the ARK Chewnicorn™ Sensory Chew Necklace

Alongside chew necklaces, our range covers chewable bangles and bracelets, chewable pencil toppers, handheld chews such as the ARK Y-Chew, Chewbuddy chews from Sensory Direct, Chewigem designs and the vibrating ARK Z-Vibe oral motor tool.

ARK Therapeutic designs, manufactures and assembles its chews in the USA from medical-grade material free from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates and latex. In our experience supporting SEND families and schools, matching the chew to how hard someone bites matters more than the shape.

Why do autistic children and children with ADHD chew?

Chewing on clothes, pencils and fingers is a common form of oral sensory seeking. For many autistic children and children with ADHD, chewing helps them settle, concentrate or cope with a busy classroom. ARK designs its chews to give proprioceptive input to the jaw, so a sensory chew redirects the habit to something safe and hygienic rather than trying to stop it.

How do I choose the right sensory chew?

Start with toughness. ARK's Standard level suits mild chewers who do not chew through things, XT suits moderate chewers and XXT suits avid chewers. Then match the shape to how your child chews: rounder pendants suit the front teeth, while longer, slender chews reach the back molars. A necklace keeps a chew at the chest, a bangle suits sleeve chewers, and a pencil topper works well at a desk. No chew is indestructible, so replace it at the first sign of wear.

Are sensory chew necklaces safe?

Sensory chew necklaces are safe when matched to the child and used as the manufacturer directs. ARK pendants hang on a breakaway cord that releases under pressure, and the cord and clasp are not for chewing. ARK recommends most of its chews for ages 5 and up with adult supervision. Spare ARK breakaway necklace cords are available if a cord wears out.

Who are our sensory chews for?

Schools: SENCOs and teachers use sensory chews as part of a pupil's SEND support. Agree where the chew is kept, who checks and cleans it, and keep one chew per child. A SENCO can record the chew in a pupil's SEN support plan or EHCP so every adult uses it consistently. Visit our Schools Hub for purchase orders and 30-day credit.

Parents: if your child chews collars, cuffs or toys, a wearable chew gives them something purpose-made to reach for. Browse our full range of ARK sensory chews, or pair a chew with fidget toys for ADHD and ear defenders for autism to build a wider sensory toolkit.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Do chew necklaces help children with autism?

Chew necklaces give autistic children a safe, hygienic outlet for the urge to chew, instead of clothes, pencils or fingers. Chewing on non-food objects is a recognised form of oral sensory seeking, and ARK designs its chews to give proprioceptive input to the jaw to support self-regulation and focus. An occupational therapist or speech and language therapist can advise on the best shape and toughness for your child.

Why does my child chew their clothes and pencils?

Children often chew clothes and pencils because chewing meets a sensory need, helping them settle, concentrate or cope with stress. It is common in autistic children and children with ADHD, although chewing alone does not mean a child is autistic or has ADHD. Offering a purpose-made sensory chew redirects the habit safely. If your child swallows non-food items rather than chewing them, speak to your GP.

Are sensory chew necklaces safe?

Sensory chew necklaces are safe when they are matched to the child and used as the manufacturer directs. ARK chews are made from medical-grade material free from BPA, PVC, lead, phthalates and latex, and hang on a breakaway cord that releases under pressure. The cord and clasp are not for chewing. Supervise use, inspect the chew regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear.

What age are sensory chews suitable for?

Age guidance varies by product, so always check the individual listing. Most ARK chew necklaces are recommended for ages 5 and up with adult supervision, and many suit teenagers and adults too. Our range also includes chews designed for babies and toddlers, such as the ARK Baby Tetra-Bite. For a child under 5, choose a product made for that age group.

Can my child use a sensory chew at school?

Yes, many SENCOs and teachers use sensory chews as part of a pupil's SEND support. Agree with the school where the chew is kept, who checks and cleans it, and that it stays one chew per child. Discreet options such as chewable pencil toppers or slim pendants suit the classroom well, and a SENCO can record the chew in a pupil's SEN support plan or EHCP so staff use it consistently.

Which is better, a chew necklace, a bangle or a handheld chew?

The best choice depends on how and where your child chews. A chew necklace keeps a pendant within reach at the chest, a bangle suits children who chew cuffs or dislike anything round the neck, and a handheld chew such as the ARK Y-Chew reaches the back molars for firmer chewing. Then match the toughness: ARK's Standard suits mild chewers, XT moderate chewers and XXT avid chewers.