{"product_id":"ark-oro-navigator-tongue-lateralization-tool","title":"ARK oro-Navigator Tongue Lateralization Tool","description":"\u003ch2\u003eARK oro-Navigator Tongue Lateralization Tool\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow it helps\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFor schools\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGives support staff a simple, focused tool to use alongside a speech and language therapy programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports structured, short practice sessions targeting one skill at a time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to clean by hand or on the top rack of a dishwasher.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall enough to keep in an individual child's labelled sensory kit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFor parents and home use\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps you carry on tongue exercises suggested by your child's therapist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended from age 3, depending on mouth size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be used before meals as part of a regular routine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA clear visual and physical prompt that helps make practice easier to understand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSupporting SEND and learning differences\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy guided tongue movement can help\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTongue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you would like help choosing the right oral motor tool, please contact our team.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ARK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58220335202686,"sku":"TA2625","price":8.62,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0653\/6560\/6649\/files\/ark-oronavigator-tongue-lateralization-elevation-tool__83227.1745549386.webp?v=1792053506","url":"https:\/\/www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk\/products\/ark-oro-navigator-tongue-lateralization-tool","provider":"The Dyslexia Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}