Speech therapy aids

In this guide you will find detailed information about the products of the market leaders as well as practical advice on how to choose speech therapy aids according to a child’s individual needs, ensuring an effective and safe development process at home or in the practice room.

Brands recognised worldwide: AKROS and ARK Therapeutic

Two manufacturers stand out in the field of language development, and specialists all over the world trust their products. The Spanish manufacturer AKROS, based in Valencia, has specialised for more than 30 years in creating methodological material for special education. Their philosophy rests on visual learning, which is why AKROS speech therapy aids are distinguished by high-quality photographs and clear illustrations. Their most popular products are logical sequence photographs, which help children understand the link between cause and effect, profession games for vocabulary building, and a sound lotto designed to develop phonemic awareness and sound discrimination.

Another extremely important name is ARK Therapeutic from the USA. This is a family business specialising in oral motor skills and sensory work. Their flagship is the Z-Vibe vibrating oral motor tool. This device is irreplaceable when working with children who have articulation difficulties or sensory sensitivity disorders. ARK Therapeutic also offers specialised tips such as the Mouse, Cat or Dog Tip, which turn the therapy process into a game while stimulating the tongue, lips and cheeks. These tools are made from medical-grade materials, ensuring maximum safety during use.

Buyer’s guide: how to choose the most suitable aids?

When choosing aids it is important to understand that every child is unique, so a universal solution does not always exist. To choose the most suitable speech therapy aids, follow these essential criteria:

• By age: For younger children choose aids with large pieces and bright colours, and for older ones more demanding logical tasks and board games.
• By developmental needs: Name the problem precisely. If a child does not pronounce particular sounds, articulation cards are needed. If the oral muscles are weak – motor tools.
• By user: Consider whether the aid will be used in a speech therapist’s practice or at home. For parents we recommend choosing aids that come with clear instructions and methodological guidance.
• By price and quality: Invest in original manufacturers (such as AKROS or ARK), because their aids are long-lasting and were created in cooperation with researchers.
• By certification: Always check whether the products carry the CE mark and are made from safe, non-toxic materials, especially if they are chewies or oral stimulators.

Frequently asked questions

From what age can speech therapy aids be used?

Early intervention is very important. Oral motor aids and sensory toys can be used as early as 1–2 years if difficulties with feeding or with the first sounds are noticed. More demanding language development games are usually introduced from the age of 3.

Can parents use Z-Vibe vibrating tools at home?

Yes, parents can use these tools at home, but it is strongly recommended to consult a speech and language therapist first. The specialist will demonstrate the correct movements and select the most suitable tips so that the stimulation is safe and effective.

How do AKROS aids differ from ordinary educational games?

AKROS aids are created on the basis of speech therapy methodology. They are aimed at developing specific skills such as phonemic awareness, grammatical structure or logical thinking, rather than at general entertainment or passing the time.

Are all the aids you sell safe for children?

Yes, every aid in our range meets the strict safety standards of the European Union. ARK Therapeutic products are made from medical-grade materials, free of BPA, phthalates and latex, so they are completely safe to use in the mouth.

How often should exercises with speech therapy aids be done?

The best results are achieved by working in short but regular sessions. We recommend devoting 10–15 minutes to exercises every day, turning it into a daily routine rather than an obligation.

Do speech therapy aids help children with autism spectrum disorder?

Yes, they are extremely effective. Visual AKROS aids help children with ASD better understand social situations and sequences, while ARK Therapeutic sensory tools help regulate sensory sensitivity and improve control of oral motor skills.