ARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper

ARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper is a medical-grade sensory chewing tool that fits over a standard HB pencil, giving children and adults who need oral sensory input a safe and appropriate outlet during writing tasks. Made from FDA-compliant, latex-free elastomer and manufactured in the USA by ARK Therapeutic, the ARK Brick Stick® replaces the habit of chewing pencil ends, pen lids, and clothing with a purpose-built chew that is durable, hygienic, and easy to use in any classroom setting.

How It Helps

Chewing is a recognised self-regulation strategy. It activates the proprioceptive system, helping to calm the nervous system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety. For pupils with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or dyspraxia, the physical act of chewing during a cognitively demanding task such as writing can provide just enough sensory input to allow them to concentrate. The ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper also adds a small amount of weight to the pencil shaft, which increases proprioceptive feedback through the hand and can support more consistent pencil grip and positioning.

The topper is solid at the chewing end and hollow at the other, allowing it to slide securely over a standard HB pencil. The surface features large bumps on the front and small bumps on the back, providing varied tactile input for different sensory preferences. Three colour-coded firmness levels allow parents, teachers, and therapists to select the most appropriate resistance: Standard for mild chewers, XT (Extra Tough) for moderate chewers, and XXT (Extra Extra Tough) for pupils with high oral sensory needs.

Why It Works in Schools and Classrooms

• Discreet and unobtrusive: The Brick Stick® sits on the pencil like any other topper and does not draw attention to the pupil using it, making it easier to implement within a whole-class environment without disruption or stigma.
• Three firmness levels support a range of needs: SENCOs and occupational therapists can select the correct resistance level for each pupil, or trial all three to find the best fit, supporting targeted SEN provision and EHCP objectives around focus and self-regulation.
• Replaces unsafe chewing behaviour: Many pupils chew pencil ends, clothing, or stationery. The ARK Brick Stick® provides a safe, hygienic alternative that can be easily built into a pupil's sensory diet or intervention plan.
• Suitable from Year 1 upwards: Recommended for children aged 6 and above, the age at which most pupils begin using standard pencils, making it appropriate across KS1, KS2, KS3, and into secondary school and adult settings.
• Easy to clean and replace: The toppers can be wiped down between uses, and the low unit cost makes them practical for individual pupil use without concern about sharing or cross-contamination.

For Home Use

Parents will find the ARK Brick Stick® equally useful for homework sessions, reading time, or any activity where their child needs something to chew in order to settle and focus. It pairs well with eraser-less pencils, one of which is included with each topper.

The Research Behind Chewing as a Self-Regulation Strategy

Oral motor input - including chewing - is a well-established component of sensory integration therapy and is commonly recommended by occupational therapists working with children who have sensory processing difficulties. Chewing provides deep proprioceptive input through the jaw, which has a calming and organising effect on the central nervous system. For pupils with dyspraxia, autism spectrum conditions, or ADHD, access to appropriate oral sensory tools during desk-based tasks is increasingly recognised as a practical, low-barrier form of environmental support.

If you are unsure which firmness level is right for a particular child, the ARK Therapeutic colour-coding system makes it straightforward to start at the softest level and work up as needed. If you would like any guidance, our team is happy to help.

• Medical-grade elastomer construction: FDA compliant and free from lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, and latex - safe for oral use.
• Dimensions: approximately 60 mm long x 15 mm wide x 12 mm thick.
• Dual-texture surface: large raised bumps on the front, small raised bumps on the back, providing varied tactile and oral sensory input.
• Hollow end fits standard HB pencils: slides securely over any standard UK HB or US #2 pencil without requiring additional fixings.
• Solid chewing end: designed for repeated biting and chewing without cracking or splitting under normal use.
• Three colour-coded firmness levels: Standard (softest, for mild chewers), XT - Extra Tough (medium firmness, for moderate chewers), XXT - Extra Extra Tough (firmest, for heavy chewers).
• Adds weight to the pencil: increases proprioceptive feedback through the hand to support pencil grip and positioning.
• Age suitability: recommended for children aged 6 years and above. Adult supervision required at all times.
• Package contents: 1 x ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper and 1 x eraser-less pencil.
• Made in the USA by ARK Therapeutic, Columbia, South Carolina.
• Not recommended for avid or aggressive chewers - for very heavy chewing needs, ARK's Y-Chew XXT is recommended as an alternative.

• What is ARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper?
  ARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper is a medical-grade sensory chew that fits over a standard HB pencil, providing a safe and appropriate outlet for children and adults who need to bite or chew during writing tasks. It is made from FDA-compliant elastomer by ARK Therapeutic in the USA and comes in three firmness levels to suit different chewing needs.
• Who is the ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper suitable for?
  The ARK Brick Stick® is suitable for children aged 6 and above, teenagers, and adults who have oral sensory needs or who habitually chew pencils, pen lids, or clothing. It is particularly recommended for individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, dyspraxia, or anxiety, and is widely used in primary and secondary school classrooms as part of a sensory support plan.
• How does a chewable pencil topper help children with dyspraxia or ADHD?
  Chewing provides proprioceptive input through the jaw, which can have a calming and organising effect on the nervous system. For children with dyspraxia, ADHD, or autism, access to oral sensory input during a desk-based task such as writing can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support self-regulation. The ARK Brick Stick® also adds gentle weight to the pencil, which may support more consistent grip and hand awareness.
• Which firmness level should I choose for my child?
  ARK Therapeutic offers three colour-coded firmness levels. Standard is the softest and is recommended for mild chewers or as a starting point if you are unsure. XT (Extra Tough) suits moderate chewers who occasionally chew through softer items. XXT (Extra Extra Tough) is the firmest level and is designed for heavy chewers who frequently destroy standard chew tools. If in doubt, start with Standard and move up if needed.
• Is the ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper safe for school use?
  Yes. The ARK Brick Stick® is made from medical-grade elastomer that is FDA compliant and contains no lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. It is designed for oral use and can be wiped clean between uses. Adult supervision is recommended at all times, and the topper should be replaced when it shows signs of wear and tear.
• What age is the ARK Brick Stick® recommended for?
  The ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper is recommended for children aged 6 years and above - the age at which children typically begin using a standard pencil. It is suitable for use across KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, and into adulthood. It is not suitable for children under 6 or for unsupervised use by any age group.
• Can the ARK Brick Stick® be used as part of an EHCP or sensory diet?
  Yes. Chewable pencil toppers such as the ARK Brick Stick® are commonly recommended by occupational therapists as part of a sensory diet or oral motor intervention plan. The three firmness levels allow the tool to be prescribed at the appropriate resistance level for a specific pupil, and the discreet design means it can be used in the classroom without drawing attention to the child.
• Does the ARK Brick Stick® fit standard UK pencils?
  Yes. The ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper is hollow at one end and fits securely over standard HB pencils. Each topper also comes with one eraser-less pencil included in the pack. It is not designed to fit pens or mechanical pencils.