
ARK's Arrowhead Chew Necklace - Thin, Discreet Oral Sensory Support
ARK's Arrowhead Chew Necklace is a slim, wearable oral sensory tool made by ARK Therapeutic from FDA-compliant, medical-grade elastomer. Designed for children aged 3 and upwards and adults, it provides a safe and discreet outlet for the need to chew, helping to support self-regulation, focus, and calm. The pendant is free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC, and is manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
How It Helps
What makes the Arrowhead stand apart from other ARK chew pendants is its slim profile. At approximately 5.7cm tall, 4cm wide, and just 0.75cm thick, it is one of the thinnest options in the ARK range - making it a natural choice for individuals who tend to chew on thinner objects such as fingernails, pen lids, pencils, or shirt collars. Its pointed shape also makes it particularly effective for front-teeth chewing. The arrowhead design has a stylish, understated appearance that suits older children, teenagers, and adults who want something that does not look overtly therapeutic or childish.
The necklace comes on a 76cm (30 inch) adjustable breakaway cord that releases safely under pressure and can be shortened to suit the wearer. It is available in three colour-coded toughness levels - Standard (softest, for mild chewers), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), and XXT Very Firm (for avid chewers) - and in a range of muted, understated colours including greys, dark blues, and greens, reinforcing its appeal as a discreet everyday tool. It can be cleaned by handwashing or on the top rack of a dishwasher.
Why It Works Well in Schools and Classrooms
- Discreet enough for secondary school: the slim profile and muted colour range - including black, dark grey, teal, and forest green - mean the Arrowhead sits comfortably as everyday jewellery, making it particularly well suited to older pupils and teenagers who might resist more obviously therapeutic or brightly coloured chew tools.
- Targeted nail biting and pencil chewing support: the Arrowhead's thin profile closely mimics the experience of chewing on fingernails or pen lids, making it one of the most effective redirecting tools for these specific habits.
- Minimal disruption to learning: worn as a necklace throughout the school day, it provides continuous access to sensory input without drawing attention or interrupting lessons.
- Three toughness levels for individual matching: staff can match the necklace to each pupil's oral sensory needs, supporting tailored provision within EHCP and SEN intervention plans.
- Safety-tested and dishwasher safe: medical-grade materials and easy cleaning make it practical for schools and settings recommending or supplying sensory tools.
For Home Use
Parents and carers will find the Arrowhead Chew Necklace a reliable everyday tool for use at home, during travel, and in social settings. Its understated design means it can be worn confidently in any environment, and it is particularly valued by families supporting teenagers and adults with sensory needs who want a chew tool that fits naturally into daily life.
The Evidence Behind Sensory Chew Tools
Oral sensory-seeking, including nail biting, chewing on clothing, and chewing on objects, is a recognised behaviour in individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety. Providing a safe, dedicated chewing outlet supports proprioceptive regulation, which can help reduce stress, improve focus, and calm the nervous system. ARK Therapeutic has been designing clinical sensory tools for over 25 years, combining the expertise of a speech-language pathologist and a mechanical engineer.
Ready to Order?
Select your preferred colour and toughness level from the options above. Each necklace is sold individually with a breakaway cord included. If you are unsure which level to choose, ARK's free Chewing Guide is available for download below.
- Thin arrowhead-shaped pendant: one of ARK's slimmest designs at approximately 0.75cm thick, well suited to those who chew on thin objects such as fingernails, pen lids, or pencils
- Three colour-coded toughness levels: Standard (softest, for mild chewers), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), XXT Very Firm (for avid chewers)
- Colour options by level: Standard - Red, Dark Blue, Light Grey; XT - Lime Green, Teal, Black; XXT - Royal Blue, Forest Green, Dark Grey
- Pendant dimensions: approximately 5.7cm tall, 4cm at the widest point, 0.75cm thick
- Cord length: 76cm (30 inches) adjustable breakaway cord - can be shortened by retying; releases safely under pressure
- Material: medical-grade elastomer - FDA compliant, free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC
- Age suitability: recommended for ages 3 years and upwards
- Best suited to: front-teeth chewing; individuals who chew on thin objects such as fingernails, pen lids, or shirt collars
- Particularly recommended for: nail biting, pencil chewing, and shirt/sleeve chewing as a redirecting tool
- Cleaning: handwash with warm soapy water, or top-rack dishwasher safe
- Manufactured in: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Package contents: 1 x Arrowhead Chew Pendant with breakaway necklace cord
- Not a toy: the cord and clasp are not intended for chewing; supervise at all times and replace at the first sign of wear
- What is the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace?
The ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace is a slim, wearable oral sensory tool shaped like an arrowhead, made from medical-grade elastomer by ARK Therapeutic. The pendant measures approximately 5.7cm tall, 4cm wide, and just 0.75cm thick, making it one of ARK's thinnest designs. It is worn on a 76cm adjustable breakaway cord, is suitable for ages 3 and upwards, and is available in three colour-coded toughness levels in a range of discreet, understated colours. - Who is the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace suitable for?
The ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults who have a need to chew for sensory reasons. Its thin profile and muted colour range make it particularly well suited to older children, teenagers, and adults who want a discreet chew tool that sits naturally as everyday jewellery. It is especially useful for individuals with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety. - Is the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace good for nail biting?
Yes. The Arrowhead is one of ARK's most recommended chew tools for nail biting. Its thin profile closely replicates the experience of chewing on a fingernail or finger, making it an effective and safe redirect for this habit. Using a dedicated chew tool like the Arrowhead gives the person a socially acceptable, hygienic alternative that meets the same sensory need. - How does the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace differ from other ARK chew necklaces?
The Arrowhead is one of ARK's thinnest pendant designs at just 0.75cm thick, compared to thicker options like the Pizza (1.2cm) or Flower (1.3cm). This makes it the better choice for individuals who prefer or tend to chew on thin objects. Its understated arrowhead design and muted colour range also make it one of ARK's most discreet and adult-appropriate options. - Is the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace safe for use in schools?
Yes. The ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace is made from medical-grade elastomer that is FDA compliant and free from BPA, latex, lead, phthalates, and PVC. The breakaway cord releases safely under pressure. Its slim, understated design is discreet enough for everyday school and classroom use across all year groups. - What age is the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace suitable for?
The ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace is recommended for ages 3 years and upwards. Its discreet, stylish design makes it particularly popular with older children, teenagers, and adults who prefer not to use more obviously child-focused sensory tools. - How do I choose the right toughness level for the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace?
The necklace comes in three colour-coded levels: Standard (softest, for mild chewers who do not generally chew through things), XT Medium Firm (for moderate chewers), and XXT Very Firm (for avid or heavy chewers). ARK's free Chewing Guide or the online Chew Quiz can help identify the right level for the person you are supporting. - How do I clean the ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace?
The ARK Arrowhead Chew Necklace can be handwashed with warm water and mild soap, or placed on the top rack of a dishwasher. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry before use. Inspect the pendant regularly for signs of wear and replace it if any damage is found.