{"product_id":"ark-oral-motor-probe-textured-oral-motor-tool","title":"ARK Oral Motor Probe - Textured Oral Motor Tool","description":"\u003ch2\u003eARK Oral Motor Probe\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow it helps\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFor schools\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGives SENCOs and support staff a simple tool to use alongside a speech and language therapy programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact and lightweight, at under 12.7 cm (5 inches) long, so it fits easily in a sensory kit or staff drawer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree graded textures support a structured, step-by-step approach across sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to clean between sessions by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFor parents and home use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLets you carry on oral motor activities suggested by your child's therapist at home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall enough to take on days out, to a grandparent's house or to appointments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended from age 3, depending on mouth size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse it as part of a calm, predictable routine, such as before meals or teeth brushing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSupporting SEND and learning differences\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy oral motor input can help\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTouch 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ARK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58220410798462,"sku":"TA2623","price":8.62,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0653\/6560\/6649\/files\/ark-oral-motor-probe__75096.1745516016.webp?v=1792053804","url":"https:\/\/www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk\/products\/ark-oral-motor-probe-textured-oral-motor-tool","provider":"The Dyslexia Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}