ARK oro-Navigator Tongue Lateralization Tool

The ARK oro-Navigator is a small oral motor tool that helps guide the tongue from side to side and up and down. It is designed for children and young people with SEND who are working on tongue movement for eating, drinking or speech. It was invented by speech-language pathologist Luz Arias and developed and made by ARK Therapeutic in the USA.

How it helps

The tool has a cuff at one end. An adult places the cuff over the side or the front of the tongue and uses it to guide the tongue gently. Moving the tongue from side to side supports tongue lateralisation, the skill used to move food around the mouth when chewing. Moving it up and down supports tongue elevation. The tool gives a clear, physical prompt so the child can feel the movement they are practising.

For schools

• Gives support staff a simple, focused tool to use alongside a speech and language therapy programme.
• Supports structured, short practice sessions targeting one skill at a time.
• Easy to clean by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.
• Small enough to keep in an individual child's labelled sensory kit.

For parents and home use

• Helps you carry on tongue exercises suggested by your child's therapist.
• Recommended from age 3, depending on mouth size.
• Can be used before meals as part of a regular routine.
• A clear visual and physical prompt that helps make practice easier to understand.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Some children with SEND and learning differences find it hard to move their tongue in a controlled way. This can affect chewing, managing food in the mouth and speech sounds. Practising little and often, with a tool that shows the child what to do, can help build confidence.

Why guided tongue movement can help

Tongue lateralisation and elevation are building blocks for chewing and for many speech sounds. Practitioners often use guided movement so a child can feel and repeat a pattern before trying it independently. The oro-Navigator is intended to be used under adult supervision at all times, ideally following a therapist's advice.

If you would like help choosing the right oral motor tool, please contact our team.

• Design: cuff that sits over the side or front of the tongue to guide movement.
• Purpose: supports tongue lateralisation and tongue elevation.
• Colour: blue (some images show the earlier clear or white version).
• Materials: medical-grade materials.
• Age: recommended for ages 3 and up, depending on mouth size.
• In the box: 1 x oro-Navigator.
• Made in: ARK's own factory in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Targets tongue skills. Guides side-to-side and up-and-down movement for chewing and speech practice.
• Supports SEND needs. Gives children a clear physical prompt so they can feel the movement being practised.
• School and home use. Small, simple and dishwasher safe on the top rack.
• 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 oro-Navigator

Care and Cleaning

Hand wash, or place on the top rack of a dishwasher.

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. This therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

• What is the ARK oro-Navigator?
  It is an oral motor tool that guides the tongue from side to side and up and down. An adult places its cuff over the side or front of the tongue and moves it gently. It was invented by speech-language pathologist Luz Arias and is made by ARK Therapeutic.
• What age is it suitable for?
  ARK recommends the oro-Navigator for ages 3 and up, depending on mouth size. It should always be used with an adult supervising. If you are unsure whether it suits your child, we suggest asking their speech and language therapist before you start.
• Can it help children with SEND?
  Yes, it can help children with SEND who are working on tongue movement. The cuff gives a clear physical prompt so the child can feel the movement. It is most useful as part of a programme set by a speech and language therapist, practised little and often.
• What is tongue lateralisation?
  Tongue lateralisation is moving the tongue from side to side in the mouth. It is the skill we use to move food onto the back teeth for chewing. The oro-Navigator also supports tongue elevation, which is lifting the tongue, an important movement for many speech sounds.
• Can it be used in school?
  Yes, it is a practical tool for school staff supporting a therapy programme. It is small, easy to store in a child's own labelled kit, and can be cleaned by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher between sessions. Always supervise during use.
• Can we use it at home?
  Yes, it is easy to use at home to continue exercises your child's therapist has suggested. Many families use it for a few minutes before meals as part of a regular routine. Keep sessions short and positive, and always supervise your child while the tool is in use.
• How do I clean the oro-Navigator?
  Hand wash it, or place it on the top rack of a dishwasher. We recommend checking the tool regularly and replacing it if you notice any wear or damage. Giving each child their own tool is a good idea in schools and settings.