Best Therapy Tools for Feeding and Speech

The zvibe tool that our occupational therapist introduced us to was a great start. The really creative thing our OT did was to dip the end of the tool into some Country Time lemonade crystals so that when she put the tip into Cedar’s mouth he experienced a pleasant sensation and did not fight it.

At Cedar’s therapist’s suggestion she wanted us to use the tool for a few minutes before each feeding session to “wake up” his cheeks and gums in an effort to get him into a better chewing pattern (he has a tendency to swallow without chewing which sometimes leads to choking, or he hampster stuffs his food in his cheeks).

We were lucky enough to get some of these tools from Ark Therapuetic to try out at home and I am loving them.

The biggest surprise though was the honey bear that I have long heard about but never tried. Cedar has to drink thickened liquids and honestly, drinking has been a long battle with him. When we opened our box of goodies from Ark Therapuetic there was a honey bear inside so we gave it a try. Can I just tell you that this is the first time my son has been able to drink water without choking!!! I am in awe, I have seriously been so pleasantly surprised.

Feeding therapy is one of the things that many of us work through and when our little ones get it, it is a HUGE deal. Have you found some great tools to help with textures, sensations, and chewing patters for your little ones with special needs?

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