ARK Oral Motor proPreefer

The ARK Oral Motor proPreefer is a rolling oral motor tool designed for use from infancy upwards, under the guidance of a professional therapist. It is similar to ARK's Probe but has a rounded, cylindrical end with long ridges around it, making it suited to a gentle rolling action. It helps children who are sensitive to, or seek out, touch in and around the mouth to build awareness and tolerance.

How it helps

The long striations run around the full circumference of the tip, so the proPreefer can be rolled over the lips, across the tongue or along the inside of the cheeks to give steady, even input. The rigid white handle is easy to grip and control, while the yellow tip is softer so it is gentle on the lips, tongue and cheeks. It is lightweight, compact and portable.

For early years settings and schools

• Supports oral motor programmes set by a speech and language or occupational therapist.
• Rolling action gives consistent input that is easy for staff to repeat.
• Suitable from infancy upwards, so it can be used across EYFS and beyond.
• Washes by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.

For parents and home use

• Helps you continue therapy activities between sessions.
• Soft tip is gentle on sensitive mouths.
• Compact and lightweight, so it is easy to take to appointments.

Supporting SEND and sensory development

Some children and young people with SEND or sensory differences find oral touch difficult, or seek extra input. Regular, gentle oral work with a purpose made tool, guided by a therapist, can help build comfort and awareness, which in turn may support feeding and speech development.

Why rolling oral input can help

A rolling motion gives smooth, rhythmic, predictable input that many children tolerate more easily than stroking or tapping. Ridged textures add clear sensory information, helping to increase awareness of the lips, tongue and cheeks in a calm, controlled way.

If you would like help choosing between the proPreefer and other ARK oral motor tools, our team is happy to help.

• Design: Rounded, cylindrical tip with long striations around its circumference for a rolling action.
• Handle and tip: Rigid white handle for easy grip with a softer yellow tip.
• Dimensions: Less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) long.
• Material: Medical-grade materials.
• Age: From infancy upwards, under the guidance of a professional therapist.
• Package contents: 1 proPreefer.
• Made in: Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• SEND sensory support. Builds oral awareness and tolerance for learners with sensory needs, guided by a therapist.
• Gentle rolling action. Soft ridged tip rolls over lips, tongue and cheeks for even input.
• Setting and home use. Lightweight and portable for nursery, school, therapy or home.
• 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 proPreefer

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

Suitable from infancy upwards, under the guidance of a professional therapist. This therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

• What is the ARK Oral Motor proPreefer?
  It is a rolling oral motor tool with a rounded, ridged tip. It is similar to ARK's Probe but has a cylindrical end with long striations, designed to be rolled over the lips, across the tongue or inside the cheeks for oral motor and sensory work.
• What age is it suitable for?
  It is suitable from infancy upwards, under the guidance of a professional therapist. Because the rolling action is gentle and the tip is soft, it can be used with young children as well as older learners. Adult supervision is required at all times.
• Does it help children with SEND?
  It can help children with SEND who are sensitive to oral touch or who seek extra oral input. Used as part of a therapist's plan, gentle rolling input can build awareness and comfort in the mouth. It is a therapy tool rather than a toy or teether.
• Can it be used in school or nursery?
  Yes, it can be used in early years settings and schools as part of a therapist's programme. An adult must supervise at all times. It is compact, easy for staff to use consistently, and washes by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.
• How do I use it at home?
  Follow your therapist's guidance. Hold the white handle and gently roll the soft yellow tip over the lips, across the tongue or along the inside of the cheeks. Keep sessions short and calm, and build up gradually as your child becomes comfortable.
• How big is it?
  The proPreefer is less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) long. It is lightweight, compact and portable, so it is easy to keep with a child's resources and take to appointments or between home and school. The rigid white handle gives adults good control during use.
• 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. Clean it after every use and store it somewhere clean and dry between sessions, ideally in its own container.