ARK Oral Motor Probe

The ARK Oral Motor Probe is a small, hand-held oral motor tool with a rigid white handle and a softer blue tip. It is designed to give tactile input inside and around the mouth, helping children and young people with SEND and oral sensory needs build awareness of their lips, cheeks, tongue, gums and palate. It was designed by speech-language pathologist Debra C. Lowsky and is made by ARK Therapeutic in the USA.

How it helps

The rectangular tip has three different surfaces: one side is bumpy, the other is striated, and the edges are smooth. The tip has more give than the handle, so an adult can stroke, tap or apply gentle pressure to the gums, palate, lips, cheeks and tongue. For someone who is wary of touch in the mouth, ARK suggests starting with the smooth edges, moving on to the striated side and then, over time, the bumpy side. This step-by-step approach lets you build tolerance at a comfortable pace.

For schools

• Gives SENCOs and support staff a simple tool to use alongside a speech and language therapy programme.
• Compact and lightweight, at under 12.7 cm (5 inches) long, so it fits easily in a sensory kit or staff drawer.
• Three graded textures support a structured, step-by-step approach across sessions.
• Easy to clean between sessions by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

For parents and home use

• Lets you carry on oral motor activities suggested by your child's therapist at home.
• Small enough to take on days out, to a grandparent's house or to appointments.
• Recommended from age 3, depending on mouth size.
• Use it as part of a calm, predictable routine, such as before meals or teeth brushing.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many children with SEND and learning differences have sensory needs that affect eating, speech or tolerance of tooth brushing. A familiar, simple tool used little and often can help these routines feel more manageable for both the child and the adult supporting them.

Why oral motor input can help

Touch and gentle pressure give the mouth information about where the lips, tongue and cheeks are and how they move. Practitioners often use textured tools to build this awareness gradually and to help a child become more comfortable with different sensations. The Probe is intended for use under adult supervision at all times, ideally guided by a therapist's advice.

If you would like help deciding whether the Oral Motor Probe or another ARK tool is the right fit, please get in touch with our friendly team.

• Design: rigid white handle with a softer blue rectangular tip for controlled, gentle input.
• Textures: one bumpy side, one striated side and smooth edges for graded tactile input.
• Size: under 12.7 cm (5 inches) long, lightweight and compact.
• Materials: medical-grade materials.
• Age: recommended for ages 3 and up, depending on mouth size.
• In the box: 1 x Oral Motor Probe.
• Made in: ARK's own factory in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Graded textures. Bumpy, striated and smooth surfaces let you introduce new sensations step by step.
• Supports SEND needs. Helps children with oral sensory differences build awareness and tolerance of touch in the mouth.
• School and home use. Small and portable, so it moves easily between classroom, therapy room and home.
• Trusted maker. Made by ARK Therapeutic in the USA and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x ARK Oral Motor Probe

Care and Cleaning

Hand wash, or place on the top rack of a dishwasher. Do not use a drying cycle or added heat.

Delivery and Returns

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

Safety and Age Suitability

Recommended for ages 3 and up, depending on mouth size. ARK suggests its proMini, which has a smaller tip, for children under 3. This therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

• What is the ARK Oral Motor Probe?
  It is a small hand-held tool that gives textured tactile input to the mouth. It has a rigid handle and a softer tip with bumpy, striated and smooth surfaces. Adults use it to stroke, tap or apply gentle pressure to the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums and palate as part of oral motor and sensory activities.
• What age is the Oral Motor Probe suitable for?
  ARK recommends the Probe for ages 3 and up, depending on mouth size. For children under 3, ARK suggests its proMini, which has a smaller tip. Whatever the age, the tool should always be used with an adult supervising, and ideally following advice from a therapist who knows the child.
• Can it help children with SEND?
  Yes, it can support children with SEND who have oral sensory or oral motor needs. The graded textures let an adult introduce touch in the mouth gradually, which can help build awareness and tolerance. It works best as part of a plan agreed with a speech and language therapist or other practitioner.
• Can the Probe be used in school?
  Yes, it is well suited to use in school by trained support staff. It is small enough to keep in a sensory kit and easy to clean between sessions. Staff can use it alongside a therapy programme, for instance in short, regular sessions before snack or lunch times.
• How would we use it at home?
  Use it at home to continue activities your child's therapist has suggested. Many families build short sessions into existing routines, such as before meals or teeth brushing. ARK suggests starting with the smooth edges, then the striated side and later the bumpy side, at a pace your child is comfortable with.
• How big is the Oral Motor Probe?
  It is less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) long. ARK describes it as lightweight, compact and portable, so it fits easily into a bag, pencil case or sensory kit. The tip is rectangular with a smooth edge all the way round and two textured faces.
• How do I clean the Probe?
  You can hand wash it or place it on the top rack of a dishwasher. ARK advises against using a drying cycle or added heat. We recommend checking the tool regularly and replacing it if you notice any wear or damage, as you would with any oral tool.