ARK Oral Motor proMini

The ARK Oral Motor proMini is a small, textured oral motor tool designed for babies and young children up to about 3 years old, used under the guidance of a therapist. It is a smaller version of ARK's Probe, sized for smaller mouths, and helps young children who are under or over sensitive to touch in and around the mouth build awareness and tolerance of different sensations.

How it helps

The proMini has a rectangular tip that is bumpy on one side, striated (ridged) on the other and smooth along the edges. It can be used as an oral massage brush to stimulate the gums, palate, lips, cheeks and tongue. Children with oral sensitivities can start with the smooth edges and progress to the ridged and bumpy sides as they become more comfortable. It can also be used as a dipper spoon during feeding therapy. The rigid white handle is easy to hold, while the turquoise tip is softer with more give.

For early years settings and schools

• Supports oral motor and feeding programmes set by a therapist in EYFS settings.
• Three textures allow gradual, step by step introduction of new sensations.
• Lightweight and compact, so it is easy to keep with a child's resources.
• Washes by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

For parents and home use

• Helps you continue therapy activities between sessions.
• Can be used as a dipper spoon to introduce tastes during feeding practice.
• Portable design for use at home, in therapy or out and about.

Supporting SEND and early development

Some young children with SEND or sensory differences find touch in and around the mouth difficult, which can affect feeding and later speech development. Gentle, gradual oral input with a purpose made tool, guided by a therapist, can help build tolerance and awareness in a calm, positive way.

Why oral sensory input can help

Textured surfaces give the mouth clear, varied information about touch. Moving from smooth to more textured surfaces in small steps allows a child to adjust at their own pace, which many therapists use to build comfort before introducing new foods or activities.

For children over 3, ARK suggests its larger Probe. If you would like help choosing the right tool, our team is happy to help.

• Design: Rectangular tip that is bumpy on one side, striated on the other and smooth along the edges.
• Handle and tip: Rigid white handle for grip with a softer turquoise tip that has more give.
• Dimensions: Less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) long.
• Material: Medical-grade materials.
• Age: Recommended up to about 3 years, under a therapist's guidance.
• Package contents: 1 proMini.
• Made in: Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Early SEND support. Helps young children with oral sensitivities build tolerance under a therapist's guidance.
• Three textures. Smooth, ridged and bumpy surfaces allow gradual, step by step progress.
• Home and setting use. Lightweight and portable for home, nursery or therapy sessions.
• Trusted maker. Made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x ARK Oral Motor proMini

Care and Cleaning

Wash by hand or 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 children up to about 3 years, under the guidance of a therapist. This therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

• What is the ARK Oral Motor proMini?
  It is a small textured oral motor tool for young children. It is a smaller version of ARK's Probe, with a rectangular tip that is bumpy on one side, ridged on the other and smooth on the edges. It can be used for oral massage and as a dipper spoon.
• What age is it suitable for?
  It is recommended for children up to about 3 years old, under the guidance of a therapist. For children over 3, ARK suggests its larger Probe instead. The proMini should be used under adult supervision at all times, following the therapist's plan for your child.
• Does it help children with SEND?
  It can help young children with SEND who are sensitive to touch in or around the mouth. Under a therapist's guidance, gradual work from smooth to textured surfaces can build tolerance and awareness. It is a therapy tool rather than a teether or toy.
• Can it be used in nursery or school?
  Yes, it can be used in early years settings as part of a programme set by a therapist. An adult must supervise at all times. It is lightweight and compact, and can be washed by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.
• How do I use it at home?
  Follow your therapist's guidance. Many start with the smooth edges, gently massaging the gums, lips, cheeks and tongue, then move to the ridged and bumpy sides as the child becomes comfortable. It can also be dipped in food during feeding practice.
• How big is it?
  The proMini is less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) long. It is lightweight and compact, sized for smaller mouths, and easy to carry for use at home, in therapy sessions or when you are out and about. The rigid handle gives adults good control.
• How do I clean it?
  Wash it by hand or place it on the top rack of a dishwasher. Do not use a drying cycle or added heat, as this may affect the material. Clean it after every use and store it somewhere clean and dry.