A Versatile Sensory Chew for Every Age and Every Chewing Need

The ARK Heart Chew is a medical-grade elastomer sensory chew tool made by ARK Therapeutic in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Designed for ages 3 and over, it is used by toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, and adults who need a safe, purposeful outlet for chewing and oral sensory input. The smooth heart shape is comfortable to hold, satisfying to chew, and appealing enough to use willingly at school, at work, and at home. With 6 colours across three toughness levels, it can be precisely matched to any individual's chewing needs.

How It Helps

Chewing provides proprioceptive input to the jaw and nervous system, which many children and adults find regulating and calming. For individuals with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, or sensory processing differences, the drive to chew can be strong and persistent. The ARK Heart Chew gives that drive a safe, clean, and appropriate outlet, reducing the likelihood of nail biting, chewing on clothing, biting pencils and pens, teeth grinding, and other habits that can cause harm over time.

The smooth surface of the Heart Chew provides even, consistent oral input with every bite. Three toughness levels mean it works for the lightest social chewer right through to determined avid chewers who need a very firm, durable tool. Standard (red and magenta) is the softest option, suited to mild chewers. XT Medium Firm (teal and hot pink) is firmer and recommended for moderate chewers. XXT Very Firm (royal blue and lavender) is the toughest and longest-lasting option for avid and habitual chewers.

Why It Works in Schools and Classrooms

• Supports focus during lessons: oral sensory input through chewing can help pupils with ADHD and sensory processing differences maintain attention and reduce fidgeting during class.
• Suitable across all year groups: the ARK Heart Chew is used from Early Years through to secondary school and beyond, making it a flexible stock choice for SEN departments supporting a wide age range.
• Discreet and socially acceptable: the compact heart design sits on a desk or in a pocket without drawing attention, and the range of colours means pupils can choose something they are happy to use without embarrassment.
• Can be incorporated into SEN support plans and sensory diets: occupational therapists and SENCOs regularly recommend the ARK Heart Chew as a core element of a pupil's sensory diet or EHCP provision.
• Easy to maintain in a group setting: top-rack dishwasher-safe, making it practical for schools and therapy services where hygiene standards are essential.

For Parents and Individual Use

The ARK Heart Chew is equally well suited to home use. Parents find it a practical and discreet tool for children who chew habitually, and many teenagers and adults use it independently to manage anxiety, focus, or stress. The heart shape is understated enough for everyday carry and available in colours that suit all preferences, from bold brights to softer tones.

Understanding Sensory Chewing

Many children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences chew as a way of regulating their nervous system. This is a recognised occupational therapy concept: the jaw provides some of the strongest proprioceptive input available to the body, and chewing activates calming pathways in the nervous system. Rather than attempting to eliminate the chewing, occupational therapists typically recommend providing an appropriate, safe chew tool as part of a broader sensory diet. The ARK Heart Chew is designed for exactly this purpose, offering sustained and satisfying oral sensory input in a durable, hygienic form.

If you are unsure which toughness level is right, our team is happy to help. Get in touch before you order and we will point you in the right direction.

• Heart shape with smooth surface: even, consistent oral input suitable for a wide range of chewing profiles; comfortable to hold and appealing for all ages
• Six colour options across three toughness levels:
  • Standard (softest) - red or magenta: recommended for mild chewers who do not chew through objects
  • XT Medium Firm - teal or hot pink: recommended for moderate chewers
  • XXT Very Firm - royal blue or lavender: recommended for avid chewers; the most durable option
• Medical-grade elastomer: body-safe, latex-free material designed to withstand sustained and repeated chewing
• Made in the USA: manufactured by ARK Therapeutic in their own factory in Columbia, South Carolina
• Dimensions: approximately 8.4 cm (3.3 inches) across the widest part; approximately 0.8 cm (0.3 inches) thick
• Age suitability: designed for ages 3 years and over; direct adult supervision recommended for younger users
• Cleaning: top-rack dishwasher-safe or handwash with warm soapy water
• Package contents: 1 x ARK Heart Chew, sold individually
• Caution: inspect regularly and replace at first sign of wear or biting damage

• What is the ARK Heart Chew and who is it for?
  The ARK Heart Chew is a medical-grade elastomer sensory chew tool made by ARK Therapeutic, designed for ages 3 and over. It is suitable for toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, and adults who need a safe, purposeful outlet for chewing, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences, as well as anyone looking to redirect habitual chewing behaviours such as nail biting or chewing clothing.
• What age is the ARK Heart Chew suitable for?
  The ARK Heart Chew is suitable for ages 3 and over. It is used across a wide age range, from toddlers and young children through to teenagers and adults. The three toughness levels mean it can be matched to any age or chewing intensity, from light social chewing to persistent avid chewing.
• What are the toughness levels and which one should I choose?
  The ARK Heart Chew is available in three toughness levels. Standard (red or magenta) is the softest, recommended for mild chewers. XT Medium Firm (teal or hot pink) is firmer, suited to moderate chewers. XXT Very Firm (royal blue or lavender) is the toughest and most durable, recommended for avid chewers who wear through softer tools quickly. If in doubt, start with the Standard and move up if it is not providing enough resistance.
• Is the ARK Heart Chew suitable for children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing difficulties?
  Yes. The ARK Heart Chew is widely used by occupational therapists, SENCOs, and parents to support children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, and sensory processing differences who chew as a way of self-regulating. Providing a safe, purposeful chew tool is a well-established occupational therapy strategy for redirecting sensory-seeking chewing behaviour and supporting focus and self-regulation.
• Can the ARK Heart Chew be used in school?
  Yes. The ARK Heart Chew is used in primary and secondary schools, SEN settings, and therapy clinics across all year groups. It is compact, discreet, and available in a range of colours so pupils can choose one they are comfortable using. It can be incorporated into a sensory diet or EHCP support plan for pupils who need oral sensory input to focus during lessons.
• What chewing habits can the ARK Heart Chew help with?
  The ARK Heart Chew is designed to redirect nail biting, chewing on shirts and sleeves, biting pencils and pens, chewing fingers and knuckles, teeth grinding, and stimming. It is most effective when used as part of a wider sensory or behavioural support plan, and occupational therapists often include it as part of a structured sensory diet for this purpose.
• How does the ARK Heart Chew differ from other ARK chew tools?
  The ARK Heart Chew has a smooth, flat heart shape that provides even oral input across its surface. It measures approximately 8.4 cm across - slightly wider than some other ARK handheld chews - and offers 6 colour options, more than most tools in the range. It is a versatile, year-round design suited to all ages, whereas some ARK tools are more age-specific or feature different surface textures.