If you have a child with oral motor difficulties or you are a speech and language therapist, you have probably already heard of ARK Therapeutic. But what exactly is it and why are these aids so popular among professionals around the world?
What is ARK Therapeutic?
ARK Therapeutic is a company founded in America that specialises in manufacturing oral motor development aids. All ARK aids are created in close cooperation with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists, so they meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
ARK aids are used all over the world – in schools, speech and language therapists’ rooms, hospitals and homes. They help children with:
- Oral motor difficulties
- Sensory defensiveness in the mouth area
- Articulation disorders
- Swallowing problems
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- The effects of cerebral palsy
The most popular ARK Therapeutic aids
Z-Vibe® – a vibrating oral motor tool
Z-Vibe® is the most popular ARK aid. It is a vibrating handheld tool to which various tips can be attached. The vibration helps to activate the mouth tissues, increase sensory awareness and develop tongue and lip motor skills. Z-Vibe can be used with various tips:
- Tongue Tip – for developing tongue motor skills
- Brush Tip – for gentle sensory stimulation
- Dog Tip, Cat Tip, Mouse Tip – playful tips for children
- Oral Motor Probe – for intensive oral motor work
ARK Grabber® and Textured Grabber® – oral chew tools
ARK chew tools are designed for children who feel a need to chew. Instead of chewing their clothes or pencils, children can chew specially made, safe and long-lasting chew tools. They are made from food-grade silicone and are completely safe.
Z-Vibe Carry Kit and Travel Kit – sets for speech and language therapists
These sets are ideal for speech and language therapists and occupational therapists who want to have all the necessary aids in one compact set. They include the Z-Vibe tool and several of the most popular tips.
Why do speech and language therapists choose ARK Therapeutic?
There are several main reasons why ARK Therapeutic aids are speech and language therapists’ No. 1 choice:
- Research-based effectiveness – all the aids are created on the basis of oral motor science
- High quality and durability – made from medical-grade silicone and hard-wearing materials
- Safety – meets EU and US safety standards
- A wide choice – there is a suitable solution for every need
- Easy to disinfect – important when used with several children
How do you start using ARK aids at home?
If you are a parent and want to use ARK aids at home, we recommend:
- First consult your child’s speech and language therapist or occupational therapist
- Start with the simplest aids – the Z-Vibe with the Brush Tip or Tongue Tip
- Use short, playful sessions (5–10 min.)
- Watch your child’s reaction and adjust the intensity as needed
Take a look at our range of ARK Therapeutic products:
- Z-Vibe® vibrating oral motor tool – the main tool with interchangeable tips
- Z-Vibe Carry Kit – a set with 3 tips for beginners
- Z-Vibe Travel Kit – a comprehensive set for speech and language therapists
- ARK Textured Grabber® – a sensory chew tool for children
- ARK Oral Motor Probe™ – an oral motor development aid
Where can you buy ARK Therapeutic aids in Lithuania?
O.K. Žaislai is the official distributor of ARK Therapeutic aids in Lithuania. Our range includes Z-Vibe sets, all the most popular tips, chew tools and other oral motor aids. We deliver throughout Lithuania.
Although ARK Therapeutic tools are indispensable in specialists’ work, for all-round child development it is important to choose a versatile set. Our range includes a rich choice of speech therapy aids that will help to strengthen speech and fine motor skills effectively every day.