Oral Motor / Sensory Toys
Thank you to everyone last week who shared thoughts and ideas on ‘chewing’ alternatives for Jack.
Chewing Gum was our first thought, but as he can’t have that at school we have now found a couple of great alternatives. After much time spent browsing (and getting Jack’s approval on the ‘look’ of the different choices) we finally decided on a chew tube for home (which he now has) and we have also ordered some theratube to make a neckband for him at school.
His chewing at school is our biggest problem due to the fact that whatever we give him has to be fairly unobtrusive. Being in a mainstream class with all ‘typical’ kids, we don’t want him singled out as having a ‘chew toy’. So hopefully the theratubing will work for him. Neckbands and wristbands are fairly popular with kids so with any luck, the theratubing will look just like any other neckband… except that he will also be able to chew on it!
Just as a side note, there is a product called ‘chewellery‘ that we looked at (which is a necklace or bracelet that can be chewed) but all the pictures advertising it has a girl wearing it so Jack wouldn’t come at it! It does look really good though, and would make a great alternative to a ‘chew toy’.
And so as we head towards autumn and then winter here in Australia, and the need to ‘cover the feet’, we will next attempt to deal with the sensory issues with the feet… one day at a time!
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 am
Wonderful! We have used Chewy Tubes for years. M likes the ones in the shape of a T the best. I hope you find some success with these. They are not too costly either.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 am
Marla - Jack’s chosen the T shape as well! He loves it!
And thank you for your suggestions and advice!
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I sent this post to my brother who’s youngest chews holes in the cuffs of his shirts. My kids chew straws and their tongues now! The Hub has always chewed his and now I know why! I guess Jack can’t carry carrots around in school, huh? Glad you found a solution!
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Thanks for posting the link on the chewelry… I need to try that with Xander and see if we can’t get his hand biting under control. We have used the p & q chew toys (ark grabber xt) because he wouldn’t use the t-tubes, but I bet he would chew something that was attached like jewelry!
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I should try chewelry for my son. I tried to make a chew necklace (just for home) a couple of years ago, but ended up with terrible results.
He chews up his shirts in the winter. It’s one case where a social story won’t work. In the summer he didn’t chew though. I suppose it was due to being outside and the physical activity as well. We also tend to do better at keeping popsicles in stock in the summer.
As for playing catch up, I understand completely. Right now I have more to do than can be done–or so it seems. take care–jml
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I hope that helps with his chewing, I have no experience with that issue but I will have to keep this in mind for sure for other parents. Cool!
March 4th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I’m so glad that companies are coming up with things like this that meet the needs of children… and that there are people like you, Elissa, passing along the gems of your hard earned experiences. Hope this works well for Jack
March 6th, 2008 at 6:09 am
We have chewy tubes here also. The T shaped ones. They were originally given to him to help with speech but the past week or so they’ve since expanded to helping him deal with stress. He wants me to get more. Y is even looking at them.
March 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am
They sound brilliant.
Beauty has been known to chew on the rabbit’s toys which is not a nice thought!
March 25th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Would you mind emailing me your chewy-stuff resources? We have the same problem here, and other than an infant teething ring, I haven’t found anything. Thanks!