Sensory chewelry, often called "chewelry," is more than just a fun accessory. It provides vital oral sensory input for individuals who need it to self-regulate, focus, or reduce anxiety. Whether it's for children or adults with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, selecting the right chewelry is key to enhancing well-being.

When we started Ability Hive, we wanted to make sure that we carried a line of chewelry that puts product quality and safety ahead of price. Which is why we carry Ark Therapeutic chewelry, known for its quality, durability and safety. Below, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect chewelry that meets your or your child’s sensory needs, highlighting both necklace and handheld options.

1. Durability: Matching Chewelry to Chewing Strength
One of the most crucial factors to consider is durability. People chew with varying intensity, so it’s important to match the chewelry’s toughness to the user’s chewing habits:

For Mild Chewers: If the user chews lightly or occasionally, choose softer, more flexible chewelry. The Ark's Brick Stick Chew Necklace (Standard) is ideal for light to moderate chewers who prefer a gentle feel while chewing.

For Moderate Chewers: A medium-strength chew is necessary for individuals who chew with more force. Consider the Ark’s Krypto-Bite Chew Necklace in a tougher version (XT or XXT). It's flexible yet durable enough for frequent use.

For Strong or Aggressive Chewers: If the user chews with a lot of intensity, choosing a tougher product is essential for longevity and safety. Ark’s Dino Bite Chew Necklace (XXT) is designed to withstand aggressive chewing without compromising comfort.

2. Texture: Smooth or Bumpy?
Chewelry is available in both smooth and textured designs to cater to different sensory preferences. Some people prefer smooth surfaces, while others find textured surfaces more satisfying.

Smooth Chewelry: For those who like a sleek, calming surface, Ark's Seashell Chew Necklace provides a smooth chewing experience that feels comfortable in the mouth.

Textured Chewelry: For users who seek additional sensory stimulation, textured chewelry offers a bumpy, ridged surface that adds extra input. The Ark’s Brick Stick Chew Necklace (Textured) features bumps on one side and a smooth surface on the other, offering a versatile chew experience.

3. Shape and Size: Choosing Between Necklaces and Handheld Chews
The shape and size of the chewelry can affect how comfortable and functional it is for the user. Ark Therapeutic offers both wearable and handheld options, allowing flexibility based on preference and need.

Necklace Options: Necklaces are ideal for individuals who want easy access to their chewelry throughout the day. Options like the Ark's Dino Bite Chew Necklace and the Ark's Robo Chew Necklace provide a stylish and functional way to get sensory input whenever needed. Necklaces are particularly useful for school, work, or on-the-go situations where a handheld chew might not be convenient.

Handheld Chewelry: For those who prefer not to wear their chewelry, handheld options like the Ark’s Textured Grabber Chew offer a comfortable grip and are easy to carry. The Grabber’s unique loop design also makes it easier for younger users or individuals with fine motor challenges to hold. Its shape allows for chewing on both ends, giving users more flexibility to meet their oral sensory needs.

4. Colour: Personal Preference and Sensory Appeal
Colour can be a significant factor when selecting chewelry. Many individuals find that certain colours evoke calmness, while others prefer vibrant, stimulating hues. Ark Therapeutic chewelry comes in a wide variety of colours, making it easy to choose one that resonates with you or your child’s preferences.

Ark’s Bite Saber Chew Necklace, for instance, comes in calming tones like dark blue or vibrant shades like lime green. You can choose the colour that best supports the user’s sensory needs and personal style.

5. Safety: Non-Toxic and Sensory Safe Materials
Safety is paramount when choosing chewelry, especially since it will be used in the mouth. At Ability Hive, we carry Ark Therapeutic chewelry that is made from medical-grade, FDA-compliant materials, free from BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, and latex. You can feel confident knowing that our chewelry is designed with the highest safety standards in mind.

6. What Are the Goals of the Chewelry?
Each person has different goals when using chewelry, so it’s important to understand what you hope to achieve. Are you trying to reduce anxiety, increase focus, or stop the user from chewing on unsafe objects like clothing or fingernails?

For Calming and Focus: Softer chews like the Ark’s Krypto-Bite Chew Necklace (Standard) are excellent for helping individuals stay calm and focused during daily activities.

For Sensory Exploration: Textured options like the Ark’s Brick Stick Chew Necklace (Textured) or the Ark’s Textured Grabber Chew offer different textures to explore, providing the extra input that some users need to stay regulated.

To Replace Inappropriate Chewing: If the goal is to stop the user from chewing on inappropriate or unsafe objects, tougher options like the Ark's Dino Bite Chew Necklace (XT) or the Ark’s Grabber Chew offer safe alternatives that can handle frequent use.

Conclusion
Selecting the right chewelry involves understanding the user’s chewing habits, sensory preferences, and specific goals. Whether you're choosing between a textured necklace or a smooth handheld chew, Ability Hive has a wide selection of Ark Therapeutic products to meet various needs.

Browse our full collection of Ark Therapeutic chewelry here to find the perfect solution for you or your loved one today!