ARK’s Textured Grabber
Invented by Debra C. Lowsky, MS, CCC-SLP, ARK’s Textured Grabber® is a textured version of the popular Grabber® oral motor chew tool.
The innovative P shape design has an easy-to-hold loop, with a long extension for reaching the back molars. It also features 3 different surfaces to chew on: one smooth, one with circular bumps, and one with rectangular bumps.
These textures simulate the feel of actual food for realistic non-food chewing practice.
They also add extra tactile sensation to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue to help desensitize the mouth, decrease decrease oral defensiveness/aversions, and transition individuals with sensory issues from puréed to textured foods. The Grabber® can also be used:
- As an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input
- As a safe alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.
- As an alternative to tooth-grinding and/or thumb-sucking
- To help decrease oral defensiveness and food aversions
- To practice biting/chewing without the risk of choking
- To work on jaw strength and stability and oral motor skills
- To build oral strength, mobility, and control
- To satisfy the urge to chew for individuals who are fed through a g-tube
ARK Textured Grabber® comes in 3 color-coded toughness levels:
- Standard – These are the softest ones with the most “squishiness” and “give” to them. Recommended for mild chewers and/or beginners practicing biting/chewing skills
- Medium Firm / XT = – XT stands for “Xtra Tough,” recommended for moderate chewing. These are firmer, but still chewy.
- Very Firm / XXT = – XXT stands for “Xtra Xtra Tough,” recommended for more avid chewing. These are the most firm and provide the most resistance to the jaw. No chew tool is indestructible, but these are very tough.
ARK manufactures the Grabber® in the USA! It’s medical grade, FDA compliant, and contains NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. Measures approximately 5 inches lengthwise, just under 2 across the loop, and half an inch thick.Sold as a single.
Caution: although these chew tools are sturdy and durable, no chew tool is indestructible. Some individuals (particularly those with heavy oral needs and aggressive biting/chewing) may be able to damage the tools. How long each tool lasts depends on the oral sensory needs of the child, whether or not they are seeing an occupational therapist if needed, as well as many other variables in his/her life. Please supervise at all times and replace if necessary when the item shows signs of wear and tear. For tougher versions of the Grabber, check out the Grabber XT and XXT. For the toughest chew tool overall, see ARK’s Y-Chew XXT.
