The ARK Basketball Chew Necklace is a wearable chew for children, teenagers and adults who need to chew to stay calm and focused. The pendant is a rounded disc with a basketball design, and it hangs on an adjustable breakaway cord so it is always within reach. It offers a safe, purpose-made alternative to chewing sleeves, pencils, fingers and other items, a common need for learners with SEND and sensory or oral motor needs.

How it helps

Its wide, robust shape suits avid chewers and people who prefer to chew with their pre-molars or front teeth. Because the chew is worn around the neck, the user can chew when they need to without leaving the task or asking for help. Having an appropriate outlet for chewing can help some learners settle, concentrate and self-regulate through the day. It is a popular choice for sports fans.

For schools

• Gives pupils a discreet, approved chewing option during lessons, assemblies and transitions.
• Reduces chewing of clothing, pencils and shared classroom equipment.
• Easy to include in a sensory plan or individual support plan agreed with staff.
• Top-rack dishwasher-safe, which helps with hygiene routines.

For parents and home use

• Useful during homework, reading, screen time and car journeys.
• Offers a consistent chew tool that can move between home and school.
• Choice of seven colours, so your child can pick one they are happy to wear.
• Sold with its cord, ready to wear straight from the packet.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many children and young people with SEND, learning differences or sensory processing needs seek out extra input through their mouth. A dedicated chew lets that need be met in a calm, planned way, so attention can stay on learning and everyday activities.

Why chewing can help

Chewing gives firm input to the jaw muscles and joints. Many people find this kind of input calming and organising, which is why chewing is a widely used self-regulation strategy. A purpose-made chew provides that input in a safer, more hygienic way than chewing clothing or equipment.

Choosing your toughness level

• Medium (ARK XT, Medium Firm): a firmer chew for moderate chewers.
• Toughest (ARK XXT, Very Firm): very firm and the longest lasting level, for avid chewers.

Not sure which toughness or colour to choose? Our team at The Dyslexia Shop is always happy to help you find the right option.

• Design: The pendant is a rounded disc with a basketball design.
• Options: seven colours across two toughness levels (Medium and Toughest), so you can match the chew to the user.
• Pendant size: about 4.4 cm (1.75 inches) in diameter and about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) thick at the centre.
• Cord: adjustable breakaway cord of about 76 cm (30 inches) for safer everyday wear.
• Material: medical-grade elastomer.
• Age: suitable from 3 years with direct adult supervision.
• In the box: 1 pendant and 1 cord.
• Easy to clean: hand wash or top-rack dishwasher-safe.
• Made in: the USA, in ARK's own factory in Columbia, South Carolina.

• Supports SEND and sensory needs. Gives learners with SEND a safe, planned outlet for chewing.
• Ready for school and home. Worn on a breakaway cord, so it is always within reach during lessons and homework.
• Choice of firmness. Seven colours across two toughness levels (Medium and Toughest) to match how hard the user chews.
• Trusted maker. Made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x chew pendant
• 1 x adjustable breakaway cord

Care and Cleaning

Hand wash, or wash on the top rack of a dishwasher. Inspect the pendant regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for ages 3 years and over. Contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard. Direct supervision is required. The clasp and cord are not intended for chewing. Regularly inspect the product and replace it at the first sign of wear.

• What is the ARK Basketball Chew Necklace?
  It is a chewable pendant worn on an adjustable breakaway cord. The pendant is a rounded disc with a basketball design. It gives children and adults a safe, purpose-made item to chew instead of clothing, pencils or fingers, and is made from medical-grade elastomer.
• Who is it for and what age is it suitable for?
  It is suitable for ages 3 years and over, with direct adult supervision. It can be used by children, teenagers and adults who need to chew to stay calm or focused. ARK notes that it contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard.
• Does it help children with SEND?
  It can help many children with SEND who seek oral sensory input. A dedicated chew gives that need a safe, planned outlet, which can help some learners settle and concentrate. It works best as part of a wider support plan agreed with school staff, parents and any professionals involved.
• Can it be used in school?
  Yes, it is designed to be worn discreetly at school. The pendant sits on a breakaway cord, so pupils can chew during lessons without leaving their seat or using classroom equipment. Schools may wish to add it to a pupil's sensory or support plan so all staff know it is approved.
• Is it suitable for use at home?
  Yes, it works well at home as well as at school. Families often use it during homework, reading, screen time and car journeys. Using the same chew in both settings gives the child a consistent, familiar tool, and the dishwasher-safe material makes it easy to keep clean.
• Which toughness level should I choose?
  Choose Medium for moderate chewers and Toughest for avid chewers. This design comes in Medium (ARK XT, Medium Firm) and Toughest (ARK XXT, Very Firm), which is the longest lasting. If a child often bites through chews, Toughest is the better choice. There is no Softest option for this design.
• How big is the pendant?
  The pendant is about 4.4 cm (1.75 inches) in diameter. Overall it measures about 4.4 cm (1.75 inches) in diameter and about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) thick at the centre. It hangs on an adjustable breakaway cord of about 76 cm (30 inches), which can be shortened to suit the wearer. The clasp and cord are not intended for chewing.
• How do I clean it and when should I replace it?
  Hand wash it, or wash it on the top rack of a dishwasher. Inspect the pendant regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear, such as cracks, tears or bite marks that go through the surface. Avid chewers may need replacements more often.