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chewy is a fun, playful oral motor tool that can be used for sensory integration, oral motor training or as a fidget tool. Chewies can come in a variety of textures, shapes, materials, and densities. Choosing one can almost be like taking a trip to a candy store with so many colors and choices! It can seem overwhelming at first. Before purchasing take a look at your chewer. Is he aggressive? A biter? Sensory Seeking? You may want a super
tough chewy and one with a highly tactile surface. Are they under responsive? Low muscle tone? Trouble chewing? You may prefer a
soft chewy that bends easily and is non-offensive. Do you have a child who is non-verbal and has difficulty with oral motor skills? You might prefer a
vibrating chewy. Let's take at look ways to use a chewy.
Chew to Decrease Anxiety
Chewing is one of our favorite filters for reducing anxiety and reducing sensory overload. It is a perfect tool for sensory seekers but also sensory over responsive individuals and those who are under-responsive. The jaw can provide over 300 pounds of pressure, which is like a sensory-motor workout to the mouth, helping to release endorphins and encourage a more balanced sensory state.
Fidget to Calm and Relax
A chewy works great in the hands too. Many chewies have tactile or soft surfaces and provide a great toy for tactile exploration, fidgeting, and fine motor work. Most fidgets can be used bilaterally as well and may encourage eye-hand coordination as well as crossing midline.
Chew to Improve Focus
Can chewing help you focus? We think so! As chewing filters sensory input, it can also help to organize and synthesize that information as well. As the jaw and mouth move, Golgi tendon organs are stimulated and awareness increases. So Chew to learn and make it part of your learning program.
Chew to Talk, Eat or Play
Chewing strengthens the jaw and can make other oral motor activities more purposeful such as speaking, eating and playing an instrument. Though we do not suggest chewing while talking, eating or blowing on your trumpet, a little warm-up time beforehand, can do wonders!
So what are you waiting for? Your chewy awaits you! Be sure to wash and clean your chewy after each use!
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