
A Safe, Purposeful Outlet for Chewing at Any Age
The ARK Reindeer Chew is a medical-grade elastomer sensory chew tool made by ARK Therapeutic in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. Designed for ages 3 and over, it provides a safe, clean alternative to harmful chewing habits such as biting nails, chewing clothing, gnawing on pencils, or chewing fingers and knuckles. The distinctive reindeer shape features a ring that is easy to hold in small hands, with antler-like extensions that are long enough to reach the back molars where chewing pressure is most often needed.
How It Helps
Chewing is a recognised self-regulation strategy. It stimulates the jaw and provides proprioceptive input to the mouth and nervous system, helping individuals feel calmer, more focused, and better able to manage sensory overload. The ARK Reindeer Chew gives children and adults a purposeful, hygienic object to chew, reducing the likelihood of damage to teeth, clothing, and other objects. It is an effective tool for managing chewing-related behaviours associated with anxiety, stress, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and sensory processing differences.
Three colour-coded toughness levels mean the ARK Reindeer Chew can be matched to any chewing intensity. The Standard (red) is the softest option, suited to light chewers who do not chew through objects. The XT Medium Firm (lime green) is firmer and recommended for moderate chewers. The XXT Very Firm (forest green or royal blue) is the toughest and most durable option, designed for avid chewers who go through softer tools quickly.
Why It Works in Schools and Classrooms
- Supports focus and self-regulation during lessons: providing a chew tool for pupils who need oral sensory input can reduce disruptive chewing behaviours and help children stay on task during class.
- Suitable for EHCP and SEN provision: the ARK Reindeer Chew is used by occupational therapists as part of sensory diets and can be incorporated into individual support plans for pupils with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences.
- Three toughness levels to match individual profiles: a SENCO or class teacher can choose the appropriate toughness for each child without needing multiple different products.
- Easy to clean between uses: top-rack dishwasher-safe or handwashable, making it straightforward to maintain hygiene in school and therapy settings.
- Unobtrusive and practical: the compact handheld design means it can sit on a desk or in a tray without disrupting other pupils, and the reindeer shape is engaging enough for younger children without being distracting.
For Parents and Individual Use
For parents and individuals, the ARK Reindeer Chew is a reliable solution for chewing habits at home, on the go, or during activities that require focus. It is equally suited to toddlers who are still in an active teething and mouthing stage, teenagers who chew on pens or clothing under stress, and adults who need oral sensory input to concentrate or unwind.
Understanding Sensory Chewing
Many children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, or sensory processing differences seek oral sensory input by chewing. This behaviour provides proprioceptive feedback that helps regulate the nervous system, a well-documented principle in occupational therapy. Rather than attempting to stop the chewing, occupational therapists typically recommend redirecting it to a safe, appropriate tool. The ARK Reindeer Chew is designed precisely for this purpose, offering sustained, satisfying chewing in a form that is safe, hygienic, and durable.
If you are unsure which toughness level is right, our team is happy to help. Get in touch before you order and we will point you in the right direction.
- Reindeer shape with ring and antler extensions: the ring is easy for small hands to hold; the antler-like extensions are long enough to reach the back molars where chewing input is most effective
- Three colour-coded toughness levels:
- Standard - red (softest): recommended for light chewers who do not chew through objects
- XT Medium Firm - lime green: recommended for moderate chewers
- XXT Very Firm - forest green or royal blue: recommended for avid chewers; the most durable option
- Medical-grade elastomer: body-safe, latex-free material designed to withstand sustained and repeated chewing
- Made in the USA: manufactured by ARK Therapeutic in their own factory in Columbia, South Carolina
- Dimensions: approximately 7 cm (2.75 inches) across the ring; approximately 0.9 cm (0.35 inches) thick
- Age suitability: designed for ages 3 years and over; direct adult supervision recommended for younger users
- Cleaning: top-rack dishwasher-safe or handwash with warm soapy water
- Package contents: 1 x ARK Reindeer Chew, sold individually
- Caution: inspect regularly and replace at first sign of wear or biting damage
- What is the ARK Reindeer Chew and who is it for?
The ARK Reindeer Chew is a medical-grade elastomer sensory chew tool made by ARK Therapeutic, designed for ages 3 and over. It is used by children, teenagers, and adults who need a safe, purposeful outlet for chewing, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, anxiety, sensory processing differences, or habitual chewing behaviours such as nail biting, teeth grinding, or chewing clothing and pencils. - What age is the ARK Reindeer Chew suitable for?
The ARK Reindeer Chew is suitable for ages 3 and over. It is used by toddlers and young children, school-age children, teenagers, and adults. The three toughness levels mean it can be matched to the chewing needs of different ages and chewing intensities, from mild to avid chewers. - What are the different toughness levels and how do I choose?
The ARK Reindeer Chew comes in three toughness levels. Standard (red) is the softest and is recommended for light chewers who do not chew through objects. XT Medium Firm (lime green) is firmer and suited to moderate chewers. XXT Very Firm (forest green or royal blue) is the toughest and is recommended for avid chewers who wear through softer tools quickly. If in doubt, start with the Standard and move up if needed. - Is the ARK Reindeer Chew suitable for children with ADHD or autism?
Yes. The ARK Reindeer Chew is widely used by occupational therapists, SENCOs, and parents to support children with ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and sensory processing differences who chew as a way of self-regulating. Providing a safe, purposeful chew tool is a well-established occupational therapy strategy for redirecting sensory-seeking chewing behaviour. The ARK Reindeer Chew is designed for this purpose and is available in toughness levels suited to all intensities of chewing. - Can the ARK Reindeer Chew be used in school?
Yes. The ARK Reindeer Chew is used in primary and secondary schools, special educational needs settings, and therapy clinics. It sits discreetly on a desk or in a tray, is easy to clean, and can be incorporated into a sensory diet or individual support plan for pupils with EHCP provision. It is a practical tool for SENCOs working with pupils who need oral sensory input to focus during lessons. - What chewing habits can the ARK Reindeer Chew help with?
The ARK Reindeer Chew is designed to redirect common chewing habits including nail biting, chewing on shirts and sleeves, biting pencils and pens, chewing fingers and knuckles, teeth grinding, and stimming. It provides a safe and appropriate object to chew in place of these habits, and is particularly effective as part of a wider sensory or behavioural support plan. - How do I clean the ARK Reindeer Chew?
The ARK Reindeer Chew is top-rack dishwasher-safe or can be handwashed with warm soapy water. ARK Therapeutic recommends inspecting the chew regularly and replacing it at the first sign of wear, biting damage, or deterioration to ensure continued safety.