{"product_id":"ark-best-friends-split-heart-chewelry-set","title":"ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Matching Chewelry Set That Makes Sensory Chewing Something to Share\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is a matched pair of medical-grade elastomer chew necklaces made by ARK Therapeutic in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Each set contains two halves of a split heart pendant, each worn on its own 30-inch adjustable breakaway cord. Keep one half and give the other to a best friend, a sibling, or a parent, so that each person wears a unique piece that only becomes whole when the two are together. The pendants are both wearable and fully chewable, combining the familiar comfort of a friendship necklace with a genuine sensory function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Helps\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set is designed for front teeth and pre-molar chewing. Each pendant measures 6.1 cm tall and 3.8 cm wide, making it a wider and flatter shape than many other ARK chewelry pendants. This shape provides satisfying, consistent oral sensory input across the front of the mouth, which suits chewers who tend to bite at the front rather than reaching the back molars. Three colour-coded toughness levels mean the set can be matched to any chewing intensity, from light chewing to avid chewing, with both necklaces always supplied at the same toughness level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all ARK chewelry, the Best Friends set supports self-regulation in children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and other conditions where chewing provides calming proprioceptive input. It also provides a socially engaging alternative to nail biting, chewing on clothing, biting pencils, and other oral habits that can cause harm or draw unwanted attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy It Works in Schools and Classrooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNormalises chewing tools through social connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e when two pupils, or a pupil and an adult supporter, wear matching halves of the same necklace, the chew tool becomes a shared object rather than a therapeutic device - reducing stigma and encouraging consistent use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports inclusion and belonging:\u003c\/strong\u003e children with sensory processing differences sometimes feel isolated by the tools they need to use; the BFF concept reframes the necklace as something desirable and relational, which can have a positive effect on confidence and peer relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable across primary and secondary year groups:\u003c\/strong\u003e the split heart design is age-appropriate and socially acceptable from KS1 through to KS4 and beyond, as friendship necklaces are a recognised and broadly understood concept at all ages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTherapists and key workers can wear matching halves:\u003c\/strong\u003e an occupational therapist, SENCO, or teaching assistant wearing one half of the set alongside a pupil wearing the other can build therapeutic rapport and help the child feel more comfortable using their chew tool in school.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWearable for hands-free access during lessons:\u003c\/strong\u003e each pendant hangs from a breakaway cord at chest height, remaining accessible throughout the school day without the child needing to pick it up or ask for it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Parents and Home Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe set is also well suited to home use. A parent and child can wear matching halves, which can strengthen connection and reduce any sense that the chew tool marks the child as different. The matching set format also makes this one of ARK's most popular gift choices for children and teenagers who need sensory chewing support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eUnderstanding Sensory Chewing and Self-Regulation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChewing provides proprioceptive input through the jaw and masseter muscle, which has a recognised calming and organising effect on the nervous system. For children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, or sensory processing differences, providing a safe, purposeful chew tool is a well-established occupational therapy strategy for meeting oral sensory needs. The ARK Best Friends Split Heart Chewelry Set delivers this therapeutic function while also addressing a common barrier to use: the reluctance some children and teenagers feel about wearing something that looks medical or therapeutic. A friendship necklace worn alongside someone they care about is simply easier to accept.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are unsure which toughness level is right, or whether this set suits your child's chewing profile, our team is happy to help before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ARK","offers":[{"title":"Softest \/ Red","offer_id":57477147165054,"sku":"TA2350-S-RED","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Softest \/ Magenta","offer_id":57479152730494,"sku":"TA2350-S-MAGENTA","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Teal","offer_id":57479152927102,"sku":"TA2350-M-TEAL","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Hot Pink","offer_id":57479152959870,"sku":"TA2350-M-HPINK","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Royal Blue","offer_id":57479153156478,"sku":"TA2350-T-RBLUE","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Lavender","offer_id":57479153189246,"sku":"TA2350-T-LAVENDER","price":20.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0653\/6560\/6649\/files\/ark-best-friends-bff-chewelry__65796_1.webp?v=1779975272","url":"https:\/\/www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk\/products\/ark-best-friends-split-heart-chewelry-set","provider":"The Dyslexia Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}